So, it's just after 11 and I'm still at Hofstra. Alone. I need to eat, which I will do shortly. Hey, this still beats working.
Anyway, I had copious notes from which I was prepared to draft the practice report to end all practice reports, but at 9 p.m. or so a story popped up out of Green Bay suggesting the Jets were getting all hot and heavy - my language (don't judge me, it's late) - in trade talks for Favre. Here's what you should know from the story I wrote for tomorrow's paper:
"A published report Thursday night that said the Jets and Packers were in 'serious talks' for retired Packers quarterback Brett Favre exaggerated things somewhat, a person close to the situation said.
The story, which appeared on the Green Bay Press-Gazette Web site under the headline 'Jets' trade talks for Favre heat up,' said the Jets were showing 'a growing interest' in dealing for Favre and hinted that something was close to being done. But late Thursday night the source said that was not so.
In other words, the Jets were no closer Thursday night to dealing for Favre than they were last Friday when they were first mentioned as being one of his suitors.
Though the Jets have not closed the door on dealing for Favre, each passing day makes a deal less likely."
And toward the end of that story there's an item about Favre maybe taking the $20 million marketing job with the Packers and staying retired. Sheeeeeeeeeeeeesh. And you can quote me.
Of course, that is now. I could wake up to the sound of a phone at 8 a.m. Friday morning telling me Favre is a Jet, where we're at Thursday night he's not and still doesn't appear to be any time soon. And if the phone does wake me that early - I'm a sports writer, ok, so 8 a.m. is early - it better be telling me something that major. Otherwise, no calls, please.
So what can I say, we got sidetracked a bit here and hence, no afternoon practice report from Thursday. But as former Mets GM Frank Cashen used to say, "there's always another game tomorrow" and in this case, there's another practice tomorrow. But it's closed to the public. But not to me so I'll have a thorough - or what I consider thorough - review.
Don't forget, however, the Green and White Practice which is at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium. That is free and open to the public. The day of activities starts at 10 a.m. and though we're not always serious on this blog, allow me to be on this point:
The Jets and A-1 First Class-Viking Moving and Storage are hosting a food drive Saturday that will benefit The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network). There should be a nice crowd Saturday and fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items to donate to a worthy cause that operates 19 soup kitchens and 25 shelters on Long Island.
And with that, lights out.
Comments (13)
Uughhhhhhhhhhhhh! Bummer, Erik. I waited this long to get the practice report, something that REALLY matters and you give us this crap about non-story everyone's SICK of ??!!
That's the first time you've disappointed me since you're on the beat.
So I guess I shouldn't even complain but PLEASE, a little perspective from now on ok?
Thanks.
Pen
Anything more than a 4th round pick for a 1 year QB that doesn't want to be here is a bad deal. I really hope this deal does not happen, it would be a step backwards imo.
I'd rather have Erik Ainge than Favre. Jets fans have plenty of memories of quarterbacks throwing season-ending interceptions. Do I dare even mention Yo Vinny's 5-pick day in Baltimore, or Richard Todd's problem of throwing the ball to AJ Duhe in Miami?
Oops, I mentioned them. My bad. Favre = just a bit overrated. And he's made this mess himself, so I'm happy to see the Pack leave him hanging like Cameron Diaz did.
Erik,
There has to be something to this story otherwise Mr. T would have put an end to this already. this will be an interesting day.
IRA, agree, this has lingered too long, Jets must be interested, just waiting for the price to drop which will not happen.
Unfortunately, I think the interest is purely from the Jets perspective, Mr. T is being played by GB to drive the price up on the eventual trade to Vikings, which should happen today.
So the Jets get played for fools, the existing QB's get frustrated and Favre gets exactly what he wanted all along.
He has ALL the leverage and will play where he wants, MIN.
Looks like we've still got Favre fever. Meanwhile, we're leaving Chad hanging. And, my darlings, will it ever be Clemens' time?
Chris Mortensen just reported that Brett took a crap this morning (dark brown) even though Roger Goodell asked him to hold off.
If we can't get Favre, I heard Flavor Flave is available for a 5th rounder. Any truth to this Bo-Man?
Come on E- Bola -- how about something about the actual quarterbacks on the roster? Hutch is reporting that Clemens actually had an interception-free day and looked good -- are you trying to bury that behind that Favre facade?
You're eyes and ears -- and rather than go Helen Keller on us, we need to know about Dustin Keller!
The big news here is that Boland let Glauber snake his way into a Jets story. What's next, Cimini??
Farve is a selfish, overrated, self-centered, extortionist little girl who should slip on a crawdad shell and break both his flippin arms.
Will62:
And those are his good points!!!
Glad to see you're in touch with your feelings.
I'd much rather be in touch with his throat.
Give Erik B a break. Although the practice report would be welcomed, the Favre story IS a story. Simply because Tangini has let it be. They could have killed it after doing some research on the possibilty of a trade behind the scenes. It's a week into it and it is a distraction to the current QBs. This guy doesn't want to be a Jet, so frig him. Tangini needs to let the love affair die because when it's all said and done and after flirting with Favre for a week they will have to go right back to 2 bruised ego QBs on their rosters.
Of real concern is the injury report. Every camp sustains some sparins and bruises so it's unavoidable but this fragile team can't afford to be without Harris and Coles. Hopefully they can get back on the field and not miss a beat.
Hey Erik,
Nice videoblog! You look like a natural. Although the questions you were asked were a lot tamer than some the the ones you from our crowd.