Goodell Waits Until Monday

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell is putting his foot down and telling the Green Bay Packers and Favre that they have until Monday to reach a decision or he will take action. Exactly what he would do isn't clear, but his best option would be to reinstate Favre and force both to make difficult decisions.

In an interview with NFL Network at the Hall of Fame ceremonies Sunday in Canton, Ohio, Goodell said both sides were talking and there was progress being made on a resolution. But he made it clear that Monday needs to be the deadline.

"I think we have to force it," Goodell said.

"I think it's come to the point where there needs to be some decisions made on the behalf of the Packers, on behalf of Brett and on behalf of all the fans."

Goodell clearly didn't want the Favre situation to overshadow the Hall of Fame weekend, so he made no decision on Favre's reinstatement application. He will not make a decision on it today, either.

According to a source close to the club, Packers President Mark Murphy and legal counsel Jason Weid are negotiating the terms of a 10-year marketing and promotions agreement with Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook. Sources have confirmed Murphy's initial offer was $20 million, but it's likely the number has gone up during negotiations.

I really don't think that giving Favre a multi-million dollar "marketing and promotions agreement" is a good resolution to this mess.

I think it's rather sleazy.

The Packers shouldn't be making such an offer and Favre shouldn't be considering it.

If Favre wants to play for the Packers as the starting quarterback, then let him have a chance to earn the position.

Yeah, Ted Thompson wants to go in a different direction. The team has moved on. Blah, blah, blah.

There's only one direction that matters, and that's to the Super Bowl.

How do the Packers get back to the Super Bowl? That's what should be guiding the decision-making.

I don't see how throwing well over $20 million at Favre to keep him from playing accomplishes that.

Let's face it. Massive egos have taken over the fairytale franchise and are holding it hostage.

So, Goodell has set a deadline. Monday.

As a rule, I don't like Mondays. This one, however, can't come soon enough for me.