4
Aug
2010
Brett Favre supposedly retiring again (insert dismissive wanking motion)
UPDATE: Aug 4, 2010 @ 13:10pm
This is probably the last time we’re going to post about this guy until the season starts. Given the media’s hard-on for any sort of Favre-related news, we’re going to be subjected to this kind of random speculation for at least the next month. And we’re just not going to ride that ride again.
So here’s the latest (and last from us), via ESPN.com:
Brett Favre told ESPN’s Ed Werder in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Wednesday that he has not made any decision about returning to play for the Minnesota Vikings this season and says he will play if healthy.
Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, said in a statement to the NFL Network on Wednesday that the quarterback has an appointment with Dr. James Andrews next week and will know more at that time. Andrews performed surgery on Favre’s ankle in May.
If you’re looking for Favre news for the next 5 weeks, just turn on ESPN. Trust us, it will be unavoidable.
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ORIGINAL POST: Aug 3, 2010 @ 13:43pm
So the big sports news today is that Brett Favre reportedly told Vikings teammates and officials that he’s not going to return to Minnesota this season.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune was the first to break the story early this morning, and the sports universe has been all atwitter since:
NFL sources said that Favre began contacting various members of the Vikings on Monday to say he was going to issue a press release Tuesday stating his intention to retire. Favre is not pleased with how his left ankle has responded to surgery in late May.
Of course, this report has now been followed by a statement from head coach Brad Childress that he has not heard from Favre, and is unaware of any decision by the ever-waffling QB. And Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell – one of Favre’s best friends – says he spoke with Favre on Tuesday and he didn’t mention anything about retirement. Either way, you can be assured that the Vikings brass are scrambling tonight to try and persuade Favre to come back for one more Super Bowl run.
Sorry, but we’re not buying any of this for a second. Favre also said he was retiring around this same time last year (on July 28th) and of course ended up joining the team on August 18th. The smart money says that Brett is just making another ploy to get out of training camp, so wake us in a few weeks when this decision may or may not become reality. Until then, we’ll just assume that Favre will be taking snaps in the NFL this season.
Brett Favre told ESPN’s Ed Werder in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Wednesday that he has not made any decision about returning to play for the Minnesota Vikings this season and says he will play if healthy.
Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, said in a statement to the NFL Network on Wednesday that the quarterback has an appointment with Dr. James Andrews next week and will know more at that time. Andrews performed surgery on Favre’s ankle in May.
5
May
2010
The L.A. Vikings?
Mike Kaszuba, of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune reports that the Minnesota Vikings stadium proposal suffered a 10-9 defeat in a state House committee Wednesday morning. “The defeat represents a major blow to the stadium effort,” Kaszuba writes, “but at this stage of the legislative session, set-backs for major bills can sometimes be only temporary.”
Despite what some are saying, there are truthfully only vague similarities between this Minnesota situation and the circumstances surrounding Art Modell’s moving the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore. Modell was given the opportunity to build a new stadium for the Browns, but the situation–for a variety of reasons–unraveled, and Modell actually stopped negotiating after he’d begun talking to the shadowy men from Baltimore. That said, Vikings fans may be feeling a disturbance in the force right about now.
We’ve all heard the rumblings about Los Angeles getting a pro football team again (despite the city’s ultimately passive reaction to the Rams and Raiders departing). It’s going to happen–and it may happen sooner than we expect. Los Angeles is in the running for an expansion team based on sheer market size alone, not a built-in, rabid, devoted fanbase–and certainly not because Norse explorers claim deep roots on California’s west coast (although this Viking might).
Actually, maybe these guys would fit well in L.A. (Source: Publicradio.org)
Jacksonville has been mentioned–in low-level chatter–as a team that might relocate to Los Angeles. The New Orleans Saints also appeared to be suitor, but their Super Bowl victory shelved that chatter. Some speculate that this stadium issue vaults Minnesota to the front of the pack. That would be a shame. Minnesota may not stand as the most shimmering of television markets, but Vikings fans are abundant, and loyal, and long-suffering. Do you agree: whenever you walk into a sports bar–anywhere–you’ll see a table, or two (or an entire bar) filled with purple-clad followers. They’re everywhere, but that could all change, as we are constantly reminded that this is a business.
24
Jan
2010
VIDEO: Brett Favre picked off by Tracy Porter; Saints win NFC Championship
Garrett Hartley kicks a 40-yard, game-winning FG in overtime of the NFC Championship(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images via ESPN.com)
The New Orleans Saints eked out a 31-28 OT victory over the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC Championship in a thriller tonight. It was a back and forth contest, with both offenses taking shots at one another, until time finally ran out for one of them. But in the end, it came down to turnovers – Minnesota had 5, New Orleans just 1. Time and time again, despite moving the ball almost at will, the Vikings put the ball on the ground and threw away scoring opportunities when it mattered most.
At the end of regulation, with the ball in Saints territory, the Vikings needed only to run the clock out and attempt a last-second (albeit long), game-winning FG. Instead, on 3rd down, Brett Favre was intercepted by Tracy Porter on and ill-advised pass, saving the game for New Orleans.
CONTINUE AFTER THE JUMP FOR VIDEO OF PORTER’S INT
24
Jan
2010
General Larry Platt sings “Pants on the Ground” for Vikings (video)
Vikings TE Vishante Shiancoe with General Larry Platt (Image via Twitter)
In case you were worried that the whole American Idol “Pants on the Ground” meme would go away too quickly, rest assured that the Minnesota Vikings are doing their part to give General Larry Platt his full 15 minutes of fame. Brett Favre sang Platt’s song in the Vikings’ locker room after last week’s win, and this afternoon, HC Brad Childress brought in the General himself to inspire the team prior to today’s NFC Championship game.
CONTINUE AFTER THE JUMP FOR VIDEO OF PLATT’S PERFORMANCE
24
Jan
2010
CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY: Live Gameday Blog
(Photos via ESPN.com)
Well, the big day is here. Championship Sunday. Colts vs Jets and Saints vs Vikings for the right to play in Super Bowl XLIV. By now we all know the set-up. It’s time to shut up and play.
We’ll be following the game action all day long, and providing our ongoing thoughts in the comments section. Please join us, won’t you?
CONTINUE AFTER THE JUMP TO FOLLOW ALONG IN THE COMMENTS
22
Jan
2010
Prince’s new Vikings Fight Song = Worst. Song. Ever.
Prince is clearly inspired by his favorite NFL club. Just look at that passion!
I gotta admit, when I first saw the headline that Prince had written a new song for the Minnesota Vikings, I got pretty excited. We know that Prince – being from Minneapolis – is a real Vikings fan, so I figured this was a perfect fit. As a child of the 80′s, I had visions of a funky-ass track, featuring Prince’s signature guitar and vocal stylings, with Sheila E on the backbeat and a hyped-up, synth-driven chorus. Maybe throw in some Vanity and Appolonia dancing side stage, and I am there!
Ummm … not so much. Instead, apparently Prince “saw the future” during last weekend’s blowout win over the Cowboys and, clearly inspired by the religious implications of Brett Favre’s third coming, wrote a Vikings-themed gospel song later that night. That’s right. It’s a gospel song. And a half-assed one at that. Prince doesn’t sing on it, opting instead for a local Minneapolis youth choir, and he seems to have used a busted Casio synth to lay down the track, recording directly to a cassette deck.
But don’t let me influence your opinion. Here is a clip of the song, so you can judge for yourself:
If you’re so inclined, you can hear the full version of the song here – Audio player at the right of the page.
LYRICS AFTER THE JUMP
17
Jan
2010
VIDEO: Favre leads Vikings in “Pants on the Ground”
This is how Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings celebrated today’s playoff victory over the Dallas Cowboys … unbelievable:
If you don’t watch American Idol, or have no idea what this is about, watch the original version of “Pants on The Ground” by General Larry Platt here. Admittedly, I have been singing this song all week. I’m not a proud man.
17
Jan
2010
Tony Romo Saves Greatest Fail for Last; Favre puts on a Clinic as Vikings defeat Cowboys (video)
When you see the Romo Face, you know the game is over (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images via ESPN.com)
It was only a matter of time, really. All through December, as the Dallas Cowboys finished the regular season uncharacteristically strong with 3 straight wins, culminating with their first playoff win in 13 years last week, you (or, at least I) just couldn’t shake the feeling that it would all come crashing down sooner or later for Jerry Jones’ club. And today in Minneapolis, oh boy did it come down on Wade Phillips and the ‘Boys, who were embarrassed by the Vikings 34-3 in the NFC playoffs.
Dallas QB Tony Romo once again crumbled in the biggest game of his life, with 3 fumbles (2 lost), 1 interception, 0 TDs and less than 200 yards. Much credit goes the Vikings defense who, led by DE Ray Edwards, harassed Romo all day, getting constant pressure and finishing with 6 sacks. But Romo, who apparently dipped his hands in butter before the game and whose turnovers cost his team the game, is clearly the goat for Dallas. You can just see it in Romo’s eyes when he is playing scared. The proven recipe for success against him is constant pressure … once he’s rattled, you see the “Romo Face”, and the game is won. And early on today it was obvious that Romo had lost it.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images via ESPN.com)
On the other side of the ball, the old man Brett Favre put on a clinic for the Vikings, throwing for 4 TDs – 3 to Sidney Rice - and no interceptions in leading his club to the win. Favre, at 40 years old, still plays the game like a kid, and his passion elevates the play of everyone around him. And oh yeah, he can still make all the throws and drop the ball on a dime for his receivers to make plays.
For all the flack he received over the whole un-retirement saga (including a healthy dose from this site), Favre has put to rest any remaining doubts as to his ability to still play the game better than almost anyone in the world. After the game, Favre had this to say:
“Today was like this season — it’s been wonderful,” Favre said. Asked if it was an emotional game for him, he said, “I’m kind of worn out right now, but it is. It was emotional before the game.”
After the game, it was all smiles in the Vikings locker room, as Favre led the team on a rendition of pop hit “Pants on the Ground” from American Idol.
CONTINUE AFTER THE JUMP FOR HIGHLIGHTS OF FAVRE SHREDDING THE COWBOYS DEFENSE
3
Jan
2010
Giants Defense Disgraceful; Sheridan Must Go
The Giants defense should be embarrassed (Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger)
UPDATE - Sheridan was fired on Monday. Hooray.
This is just ugly. This afternoon in Minnesota, with nothing to play for (I mean, except for pride and all those millions of dollars they’re making) the New York Giants defense has put on another embarrassing display of football, and trail the Vikings 31-0 at the half. Along the way, the Giants have given up over 300 yards and 20+ first downs, allowing Brett Favre to find Vikings receivers running free all over the field, and looking a lot like a high school football team in the process.
Defensive Coordinator Bill Sheridan should be out of a job by Tuesday, and Tom Coughlin should be looking over his shoulder as well. The Giants went from 5-0 and early Super Bowl favorites to one of the more pathetic units in the league. Granted, the defense was hit with some big injuries – namely to Kenny Phillips and Antonio Pierce – but with as much talent as is still on the Giants roster, there’s simply no excuse for giving up over 400 points this season (which has only happened twice before in franchise history), and missing the playoffs entirely.
Giants Defensive Coordinator Bill Sheridan is as good as gone (Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger)
Michael Strahan just observed on the FOX halftime show that the Giants “mailed it in weeks ago”, which appears to be true on every level. The individual effort of the players has been disgraceful, but the schemes have been awful, and that all goes back to the coaching staff. I doubt Coughlin is going anywhere after winning the Super Bowl so recently, but someone has to take the fall, and that person is going to be Sheridan. The way he has mishandled this defense in taking over for Steve Spagnuolo – alienating Osi Umenyiora along the way – is reminiscent of the way Rod Rust replaced Bill Belichick in ’91/’92, turning a once powerful unit into a shell of its former self. It’s a low point in the history of the franchise.
For his part, earlier this week, Sheridan said he wasn’t concerned about his job security, but after today’s miserable display, and after allowing 40+ points in 3 of their last 4 games, there’s simply no way that Giants ownership doesn’t make wholesale changes to the coaching staff and roster. And if there’s any justice in the world, the Sheridan era is over in New York.
Watch the game lowlights after the jump.
Read the rest of this entry »
20
Nov
2009
Iraqi military detainees use Favre to taunt cheesehead guards
(Photoshop/hack job by ArtieFufkin)
Psychological warfare has long been an important part of military strategy. From Alexander the Great to Ghengis Khan to Winston Churchill, world leaders have always used propaganda and other psychological tactics to get into the minds of their enemies.
And now, NewsRadio WTMJ reports that Iraqi detainees have been targeting American soldiers with their own brand of psychological warfare. One in which they’re using our own sports heroes against us!:
According to a military official, detainees at a Wisconsin National Guard camp in Iraq are using Brett Favre as a manner of getting at the guard troops there.
“They know Favre by name,” said First Lieutenant Tim Boehnen, who is from New Richmond, Wis.
“One of the big words they know now is shenanigan. They’ll constantly talk about ‘Favre shenanigans,’ ‘He’s so good for the Vikings,’ and ‘The Packers have got to really feel bad about that one.’ “
Apparently the Cheesehead troops were outfitting their camp with Packer green & gold, which gave their prisoners the opening they were looking for. The next plan is to taunt the Oakland National Guard about JaMarcus Russell until they break down in tears. And then everyone will escape. And the very fabric of our society will crumble. Way to go, Al Davis.
