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Packers to Favre: No Go

Team denies QB's request to become free agent

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 13, 2008 10:27 AM CDT

(Newser) – Green Bay won't be releasing retired quarterback Brett Favre from his contract as he has requested, and aren't promising to start him if he rejoins the team, AP reports. "This is a hot-button issue that surpasses anything I've ever gone through," says Packers GM Ted Thompson. Favre had the chance to return weeks ago, but didn't take it.

Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy were ready to talk with Favre when he had second thoughts just a few weeks after his retirement, but the player decided he had "reached a point of closure." When he changed his mind again this week, the Packers had committed to Aaron Rodgers as starting QB. A trade may now be on the horizon.

Brett Favre smiles at the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year news conference in Phoenix. The Packers have said the will not release him to free agency, nor would he start next year if he returns.
Brett Favre smiles at the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year news conference in Phoenix. The Packers have said the will not release him to free agency, nor would he start next year if he returns.   (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, right, smiles with Brett Favre during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. McCarthy said he gave Favre the chance to return this spring.
Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, right, smiles with Brett Favre during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. McCarthy said he gave Favre the chance to return this spring.   (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Retired Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre listens during an interview in New York, April 25, 2008. Favre has intimated a desire to return to football since shortly after his retirement announcement.
Retired Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre listens during an interview in New York, April 25, 2008. Favre has intimated a desire to return to football since shortly after his retirement announcement.   (AP Photo)
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