Brett Favre is a Hall of Fame quarterback. One of the best to play the position. That’s understood.
But what I don’t understand is why people are paying so much attention to what he says about certain topics. His advice about using Copper Fit products is well taken. We all need a little extra support for our joints and relief for our aches as we get older and remain active. But lately, his words have rubbed people the wrong way when they shouldn’t even be taken that seriously at all.
Earlier this week, Favre was interviewed by Yahoo! Sports when he was asked about Deshaun Watson requesting a trade from the Texans.
“You get paid a ton of money to do a certain job, and just do it, and let the chips fall where they may,” said Favre. “I think we make too much money to voice an opinion, but I’m not saying he’s wrong. Again, I think it’s a different day and time, and it’ll be interesting to see how the organization handles it.”
Twitter immediately lit up and blasted Favre.
“It rubbed me the wrong way,” said Stephen A. Smith on First Take. “because, you know, basically you’re saying you signed a contract, you’re getting money, shut up and ball. That’s not too far removed from Laura Ingraham saying, you know, shut up and dribble. That’s not too far from people who have the mentality that you are an athlete, and so give, entertain us on the court or the field of play and don’t bother expressing your thoughts, your feelings, your opinions on anything else.”
Now, to be fair, Favre did preface his comments by stating that times were different and he’s an old school guy.
“Well you know what. It’s a different day and time,” said Favre.
“I’m kind of old school.”
He also referenced John Elway, Eli Manning, and Phillip Rivers. They were able to force trades from the teams that initially drafted them and went on to have highly successful careers with Broncos, Giants, and Chargers, respectively.
Stephen A., to his credit, also stated that he didn’t think Favre’s response was racial or that “he [Favre] meant anything malicious.”
But that didn’t stop the fusillade of heated responses. This includes a shot fired by Watson’s agent, David Mulugheta.
“Brett should probably stop throwing stones from that glass house he’s sitting in.” tweeted Mulugheta in reference to Favre’s last few years in the NFL. Per CBSSports.com, Favre had made trade requests to the Packers, which were declined. So he retired after the 2007 season and then tried to return. But Green Bay had moved on and gave their reins to Aaron Rodgers. So Favre was traded to the Jets, retired after a season, and then went to the Vikings for two seasons before finally calling it quits in 2010.
This is only one example of Brett Favre’s hypocrisy.
In an interview with TMZ Sports in June of 2020, Favre implied that Colin Kaepernick would rise to hero status like Pat Tillman, the former safety for the Arizona Cardinals who left the NFL after the attacks on 9/11 to become a ranger in the US Army. Tillman was killed in the line of duty in 2004.
“I can only think of, right off the top of my head, Pat Tillman’s another guy who did something similar, and we regard him as a hero,” said Favre. “So I’d assume that hero status will be stamped with Kaepernick as well.”
Admiration for Kap during a time of racial reckoning. That’s cool. So what’s the issue?
But wait, it’s not over yet.
After that interview, Favre had to Tweet out a clarification about his comments.
“Including Pat Tillman’s name in the interview on Colin Kaepernick was not a comparison of the two, but a recognition that they both sidelined their football dreams in pursuit of a cause,” he tweeted. “Pat tragically lost his life, making the ultimate sacrifice, and deserves the highest honor.”
Clarification, sidestep or backtrack? Hmmmm….
Four months later, Favre made a video appearance during a town hall meeting with the former president and asked him a question about politics and sports.
“The NBA and the NFL are struggling with lower ratings, as fans clearly do not want political messaging mixed with their sports.” said Favre. “So how should the leagues support and promote an anti-racism position without becoming political and alienating fans?”
I can see the wheels turning, “but, but, but, but wait. It gets worse!” (Onyx’s Sticky Fingaz voice)
Eight days after his question, the hypocritical moment arrived when Favre tweeted out his endorsement for Trump.
“For me & these principles, my Vote is for @RealDonaldTrump.”
And there it is.
Favre appears to have a tendency to teeter-tot on issues and statements. So at this point, why even bother asking him a question on hot button issues unless you’re seeking a clickbait answer?
Sounds like we have our answer.
So stop asking Favre questions that he’s not qualified to answer, otherwise we’ll just get more of the same. Let him peddle Copper Fit and leave him be.
You’ll live.
