Brett Favre To Retire?

[.s31t]

The above image (via Sporting News) is what the "Breaking News" section of the Green Bay Packers' official web site briefly looked like today. So does that mean Brett Favre is about to announce his retirement?

Not according to the team spokesman who talked to the Packers' flagship radio station, WTMJ:


"There's nothing to it," says Packers Public Relations Director Jeff Blumb. He stated they prepare this story every year, just in case he does retire, or .
Blumb also stated the team had the same story last year, and he chose to return. They also created stories to prepare for his return, should he decide to do so.

Blumb says, correctly, that it's not unusual for teams or news outlets to prepare templates like that in advance of big news stories breaking. But it is highly unusual to post those templates before the news actually breaks. Whoever posted that one must feel pretty stupid right now.

A few minutes ago it was there, and now, magically, you need a password to access a page on the Packers' official website which read, "Packers quarterback Brett Favre has announced that he will retire." But I promise, it was there. I saw it:


What it means is a topic we could waste all day on: Will he retire immediately, or does it mean he's done after this season, or does it mean he's simply retiring from throwing interceptions in the overtime of NFC Championship games? I don't have these answers.

But luckily, I work at Sporting News, a company that employs real reporters who are trying to find out what's going on. This is exactly what a slow, February sports news day needed. Prepare yourselves for 60 minutes of coverage on SportsCenter this evening.

Updates to come in this space ...

Update 1: It's worth noting that Sporting News contributor Mike Florio at PFT is the one who alerted us to this and is all over it, as you'd expect.

Update 2: Pack PR Director Jeff Blumb told WTMJ-AM, "There's nothing to it," and they prepare this story every year just in case Favre retires. Stop trying to ruin our fun, Jeff.

Update 3: One of our real reporters I was telling you about -- Dennis Dillon -- has confirmed that the Packers are calling the site a mistake. Based on absolutely nothing at all, I still think they're not telling the truth.

 

[.GR]

Millions of Packer fans <Censored> themselves over this. lol

 

[.s31t]

I wouldnt doubt its true though. I think he's done enough IMO. What else is there for him to prove. Hes a hero to me but he's had enough. Time to pass the torch on.

 

[.GR]

Yeah it sucks for Aaron Rodgers. He had so much hype coming out of Cal too.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

he aint retiring yet.

If he has it would have been all over ESPN but it hasnt so until I hear it from them...

He has 2 or 3 more years left, that is if you actually watched how he played last year.

 

[Gtown81]

if he retires, Green Bay is screwed