Quarterback Friday: Favre is gone?

Now, on the Wednesday Round-Up I said I was undecided as far as Quarterback Friday. And if you couldn’t tell by the title, I went with the retired one.

We all know the news by now, Favre is “staying retired”, believe it or not. I’m mad too, it’s much easier to write a story about a HOF QB coming out of retirement, than a guy that made no real move at all. Still, I’m not so sure th Fat Lady has sung just yet. The door is still open for a return.

To be honest, I’m surprised – I really saw Brett pulling another return. But hey, you don’t know till you know. Now I know, and I was wrong. I’m not the only one that made a wrong prediction. ESPN’s own John Clayton said he was go into return – and he said that about a month ago. Anyway, we can all make the wrong call.

Now I’m going to ask for an opinion. Does Favre going to the Jets change your opinion of him? What I’m asking is, does Brett pulling all these shenanigans change your view of him. Because before all this, if I heard Brett Favre I thought Packers. Now, I think of him as a decisive and somewhat annoying QB. I still see Packers at heart. But the stint as a Jet will taint that vision.

Anyway, that was today’s QB Friday. Comment, or don’t. Just hope you enjoyed it.

The Glass Is Either Half Empty Or Half Full …………

When one looks that at both NFL franchises in the Bay area of California. I can’t help but wonder what went wrong with both ? The Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers have become the complete antithesis of everything you’d expect to see from a successfully ran NFL team.

Oakland Raiders' logo

And desptite a rich vein of success by the two franchises through the course of their history. Over the last few year it has been anything but that for these two proud NFL franchises. Whether it’s been through a lack of genuine care by their respective ownership structures . Or merely from the fact of the inexperience shown by their coaching staff. What has gone on and has been exhibited as coaching prowess , has merely brought about abject failure and ridicule for the two teams. It can be said that when these two teams aren’t part of the equation within the NFL . In many respects one could view that all is not necessarily right in the world of football . For both the Raiders and 49ers their’s is a unique history and one that the NFL has every reason to be proud of. Of late however , that’d be the furthest thing from the truth.

49ers' logo

For the Oakland Raiders (5-11) coming off a season of disappointment. And when considers that in the AFC West , an (8-8) record brought a divisional championship and a playoff berth for the San Diego Chargers . It tells you how woefully inept, the division really is ! It has to be said that the expectations were indeed high for the Raiders. But once again they failed to live up to them. And even if perhaps their best display of the season was their derailing of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7), 31-24 in a meaningless game at the end of the regular season. In reality it did very little to brighten the hopes of their fans. As devout and vociferous as they are , most members of the Raider Nation tend to know what’s right , from what’s wrong, with their team. They may not always show it but many of them are some of the most knowledgeable fans in all of the NFL.

Raiders' starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell at the team's training camp in Napa , California. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Paul Sakuma ...........

The upshot of it all is with first year coach Tom Cable , the team is still finding some semblance of discipline when it comes to playing the game with any real authority and understanding. And it certainly hasn’t helped that the team’s starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell continues to struggle , despite his alleged athletic prowess. He most definitely doesn’t show that he understands the complexities of playing the postion. Furthermore , his over reliance on the fact that he has an explosive arm, seems to do little in serving him or his team well.

Raiders' coach Tom Cable watches the team's practice with a great deal of inensity and some might say apprehension. This upcoming season will no doubt be filled with a great deal of ups and down for the franchise as well as Cable's coaching staff. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Paul Sakuma ..........................

Offensively , all the arsenal seems to be in place. But it was the inexperience shown by the players that basically has laid the groundwork for their failure throughout much of last season. On the defensive side of the ball things were bearly measurable there, as well. If anything the Raiders’ defense left a great deal to be desired. These stats show that there’s still a great deal to be done by the team before they can be thought of as a legitimate contender not only within their division. But very much also, within the AFC and the entire NFL as a whole.

Whatever leadership that can be provided to the team , may well have to come in the guise of veteran quarterback, Jeff Garcia . The player has now become somewhat of a journeyman around the league. Bringing along with him a somewhat disciplined art to his play. If anything at the first sign of real adversity and undue pressure shown by Russell. There’s no doubt that Cable, will look to Garcia, to provide the stability and leadership needed for the team.

And if the Oakland Raiders are to fare well. Then a great deal of presence will have to be shown by the entire team , both on and off the field.

For Niners’ coach , Mike Singletary , his biggest problem this upcoming season, may well be to entrust one of the two quarterbacks he feels, will be able to lead this team with the reins. On the one hand, he has former overall #1 draft pick, Alex Smith . The player’s career thus far in the NFL , has proven to be something of a bust . Inexplicably, however, he still remains a part of the franchise’s plans for the immediate future. Alongside Smith , there’s also Shaun Hill . Both have in excess of five years experience in the NFL. But the effort put forth by either player , can be best described as meager by NFL standards.

Denise DeBartolo-York and her husband , Dr John York , owners of the San Francisco 49ers. At the helm of the franchise as owners. The couple have squandered whatever goodwill that they'd built up within the city of San Francisco and the franchise's fans. picture appears courtesy of jamd @ copyrighted material . All rights reserved

And for the San Francisco 49ers (7-9) , coming off another sub par season. It can be best explained away, that there was both turmoil on and off the field in terms of their competitive mindset. Not that Singletary hasn’t brought about some resolve to the team. But herein, lies the fact, as to the woes of the Forty Niners. This is a team where its ownership, if anything , hasn’t been overly concerned with putting a competive product on the field of play. For owners , Denise DeBartolo-York and her husband , Dr John York . It has been more about the perceived appearance that they do care about the franchise. If anything the couple has shown a great deal of apathy as to the plight of the franchise over the years.

Problems You Think You’ve Got Problems ?

Well let the fun and games begin. NFL teams are already in training camp. And there’s a great deal that’s being speculated over. Where’ll Michael Vick end up ? And how’ll Tony Romo survive without the former love of his life , Jessica Simpson ? Now don’t get me wrong , I’m not about to assail these two problematic quarterbacks who’ve struggled to show their maturity , let alone leadership qualities within the NFL .

Vick seen here speaks at a press conference having just entered his plea of guilty in a federal dogfighting charge. Having served his sentence the player having been re-instated by the NFL now looks for a team to acquire him as a free agent. It's been rumored that the Seattle Seahawks are said to be interested in the player. But no formal announcement has been made by the organization. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ George Herbert ..........................

But in reality I look at this way. You’re only as good as your last game. And for Vick his last game in the NFL wasn’t all that enlightening or entrhalling. But yet we’re to believe that his return to the NFL , will be almost like the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Cowboys' quarterback Tony Romo seen here at the team's training facility in San Antonio , Tx,. It'll be up to the player to prove his effectiveness and leadership skills if the Cowboys are at all to prevail in the NFL this upcoming season. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Eric Gray ..............

As to Romo and his problems. Let’s just say that the signs pointing to the fact that he could be the savior that the Dallas Cowboys were said to be looking for . Exaggeration or aberration, which was more likely ?When one considers that the Cowboys haven’t won a playoff game in over a decade. It ought not to be cause for concern at all. The hype over America’s Team is merely like that of Simpson’s career. One great big bag of jokes that are self explanatory. You’ve got a coach whose greatest claim to fame is that his name is Wade Phillips , son of Bum Phillips . That should be explanation enough , don’t you think ?

Moreover, you’ve an owner in Jerry Jones , who’s now about as able to assess footballing talent. As Elizabeth Taylor has been , in her choice of husbands. And we all know how that has been for the Oscar winner over the last three decades , don’t we ? Suffice to say that Liz’s choices have been about as adept as Jones’ have been over the last decade.

Well the ensuing problems of former New York Giants’ star Plaxico Burress seem to be going along unabated. While I have the utomost respect for the legal community. I’ve now got to question the mindset of Burress’ lawyer , Benjamin Brafman . Having given his testimony in front of grand jury. Brafman had the temerity to suggest that there were mitigating circumstances with regard to his client’s disposition and the fact that he was in possession of a gun inside a night club where hard liquor was being served. Unless Brafman is fully cognescant of the law. He seems to forget that Burress was in the possession of a weapon that was unlicensed within the state of New York. And the fact that he brought the weapon across state lines meant that his client had already committed at least one felony , amongst others.

Plaxico Burress seen here leaving the Manhattan Courthouse after giving testimony to the grand jury for illegal gun possession . picture appears courtesy of nytimes.com/ Michael Appleton ...........................

Furthermore , Brafman’s belief that New York District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau spoke out of turn when making the statement that Burress ought to serve jail time the criminal charges he was facing. It doesn’t speak well of the fact that Brafman seeks preferential treatment for his client and the belief Burress has paid a price for his misdeeds. I was under the impression that the law was meant to be impartial and blind to prejudices and preferential treatment ? But then again isn’t that how many athletes now see themselves ? Above the law ?

Burress and his lawyer Benjamin Brafman seen here leaving the Manhattan State Supreme Court , New York after a hearing in March. picture appears courtesy of reuters / Lucas Jackson ............................

It’s at times likes this I’d prefer to see the justice meted out , as it’s done in the Middle and Far East. It is far more of a deterrent than what we’re led to believe than the so called impartial judicial system , here in the United States. You steal from someone, you’ll most definitely lose an appendage. You lie and you’ll have your toungue cut out. But hear the sound of money tends to lighten the appearance of justice being served and its apparent impartiality.

SI article :

Burress gambles on testimony in hopes of avoiding prison

By Michael McCann of Sports Illustrated

Plaxico Burress hopes an unusual legal strategy will keep him out of prison. On Wednesday , the former New York Giants’ star testified before a Manhattan grand jury on the charges he faces for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. The charges , which carry a minimum three-and-half-year sentence, stem from Burress accidentally shooting himself in Manhattan’s Latin Quarter Club , last November. Burress’ counsel, Benjamin Brafman and prosecutors have reportedly been unable to strike a plea deal, with Burress willing to serve one year behind bars and prosecutors demanding two. For a 31-year old wide receiver the difference between one and two years in prison could be worth millions of dollars.

The unusual nature of Burress’ strategy derives from the dynamics of the grand jury proceeding and his decision to testify in it. In New York, as elsewhere , a grand jury is completely secret with the defense counsel barred from participating. Under New York law , a defendant enjoys the right to testify but the grand jury proceeding has no judge and is instead run entirely by the prosecutor. As a result the prosecutor determines how to apply the rules of evidence , which questions to ask of the testifying party and other facets of the proceeding . cont’d …………….

________________________________________________________

In order to read this article in its entirety , click on the healined text link provided.
—————————————————————-

________________________________________________________

So now we await to see how the justice system will deal with another wayward player who once again feels that they can flout the law. But then looks to the mercy of his peers to absolve them of all responsibiilty for their sheer utter stupidity. And we’re meant to look to individual such as this and admire them , merely because they possess a physical ability to , run, jump and play better than the average individual. We’ve seen the justice system at work with Donte’ Stallworth . And there it wasn’t something that one could admire at all !

Let’s hope that this time around the law and its tenets will prevail , rather than it being subverted for the benefit of others. In this case , a rich spoilt and narcissistic athlete !

It’s Time For The Vikings To Move On

Brad Childress poked, prodded, and did everything he could to lure one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history to come and save the Minnesota Vikings season. Childress and the Vikings brass risked a whole lot with the pursuit, basically telling the Vikings current QBs — Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels — that the team felt it didn’t have enough at the position.

On Tuesday, things changed dramatically for the Vikings, as Brett Favre informed that the team that he would not be coming out of retirement to play in Minnesota. Siting health, both mental and physical, as the reason for his decision, it left many around the league stunned. Favre had surgery on his torn biceps months ago, which at the time seemed to be a clear indication that he was intending to come back. Why else would he want to have surgery? So that he could operate his tractor easier? Favre was also seen working out with local high school players in Hattiesburg. Again, did anyone believe he was throwing the football around for fun, or to test his arm? Even though he did all of this, he never officially told the Vikings he was going to come back. In fact, he reportedly told the Vikings a week ago he was not going to make a return, which subsequently resulted in a number of Vikings veterans placing phone calls to Favre, trying to convince him to return.

The Vikings put all the pressure in the world on Favre to make a return. The pursuit of Favre quickly began to feel like a something that was going to make or break the 2009 season for the Vikings, especially with the way players were talking about not just wanting Favre, but needing him.

Jackson and Rosenfels are question marks at the position. The team was good last season with Jackson at the helm, but he was arguably the sole reason that the Vikings were not able to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles at home in the NFC Wild Card Game. Jackson doesn’t have the arm strength of most No.1 QBs in the NFL, and he isn’t exceptionally accurate. Rosenfels, meanwhile, was traded to Minnesota prior to the draft and had been a career backup in Houston. It’s easy to see why the prospects of going into the season with the Rosenfels and Jackson didn’t look appealing to anyone in the Minnesota front office. With either of the two, the team would be good. But with Favre, they had the potential to be great. He was, in the eyes of Childress, the missing piece to possibly the championship puzzle.

But Favre said no. After all the workouts and throwing sessions and all of the discussions with Childress and Vikings players, Favre decided to remain retired. Whether it truly was his health, or all of the pressure he was sure to face in Minnesota — that doesn’t matter anymore.  What does matter is the Vikings trying to win football games, and in order for that to happen like the fans, coaches and owner Zygi Wilf want it to happen, the Vikings must move on from Favre.

Remember, the Vikings are not a team that is simply trying to make the playoffs in 2009. They did that last season, and it ended with a disappointing loss to the Eagles. Moreover, they’re not looking for a division title — they also accomplished that feat last season. What they are looking for is a deep playoff run, culminating in a trip to Miami for the Super Bowl. Though Childress and the Vikings felt they needed Favre to have an opportunity to reach all of their goals, everything is still within their grasp.

Training camp will be very important for the Vikings and Childress, who must mend relationships with Jackson and Rosenfels. Both were under the assumption during minicamps and OTAs that they would be competing for the starting job come August — and they will be. But the pursuit of Favre likely ruffled a few feathers, especially Jackson, who likely feels that the team has little confidence in him. Rosenfels was signed for three years and $9 million, meaning he was brought in because the Vikings believed he had the chance to win the job. Both certainly have the right to be a little perturbed, but they don’t have the right to be downright furious. All Childress was doing was trying to improve the football team, and it’s hard to fault him for that. They have to put all of that behind them now, because the Vikings need one to step up and lead them to the promise land.

Looking at the Vikings roster, they have a great opportunity to make a run this season. For starters, the NFC is as wide open as ever. No team is the consensus favorite, and opinions vary greatly on which team has the best chance to be playing in Miami in February. Secondly, and most importantly, the Vikings have the best running back in the league, bar none, in Adrian Peterson. With him in the backfield, it’s hard to discount the Vikings chances. On offense, the Vikings added a playmaker in wide receiver Percy Harvin through the draft. Harvin skills are wide-ranging, and he should be counted on to be a heavy contributor as the season wears on. Also, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe is a rising star at the position, and his role in the offense should expand, no matter who is lining up under center.

Defensively, the Vikings have one of the best units in the league, led by defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams. Defensive end Jared Allen is excellent at getting to the passer, and the team’s secondary is solid. Though they lost longtime safety Darren Sharper, they recently locked up cornerback Antoine Winfield for five more seasons. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is quickly making a name for himself, and he really has a chance to show what he can do this season.

The Vikings swung and missed on Favre, yes, but someone is still going to have to play quarterback. The position is going to have to improve for the team to succeed, there’s no doubt about that. Whoever wins the job will need to play exceptionally well to quiet the doubters, and there will be many of them.

With or without Brett Favre, the Vikings season is going to commence on September 13. It’s time for everyone in the organization to move on from No.4, and start the trek toward championship No. 1.

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil Or Could That Best Describe The AL East ?

Well it goes without saying that with the trade deadline beckoning. The movers and the shakers will be looking to make the deals that they think’ll put them over the top. They’ll either become contenders or pretenders. So far we’ve seen in the AL East only rumblings as to there being some sort of move that might be imminent.

Joba Chamberlain of the New York Yankees pitching in a game against the Tampa Bays at Tropicana Field , St Petersburg, Florida. The Yankees would go on to defeat the Rays 6-2 and win their three game series 2-1. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ....................

However, it’s not said to be from one the big two teams within the division. Neither the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees are said to be players as of yet. But that’s not to say that things aren’t about to change between now and the 4 pm deadline tomorrow afternoon. Whereas , it’s now being rumored that the Sox may well show some interest in the Toronto Blue Jays’ Roy Halladay . It’s far from definite that Red Sox GM Theo Esptein is prepared to go that route. The price that Jays’ GM J P Ricciardi is asking is said to be aksing is a very steep one. And if anything , many purists in and outside of the game believe that he’s overstepping his reach in that endeavor.

Rays' shortstop Jason Bartlett throws to first after making the play against the Yankees' Robinson Cano. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson .......................

But as we know someone , somewhere along the line may well be bold and brave enough to meet the Blue Jays’ asking price , for one of the most desired pitchers that’s said to be on the market. The Philadelphia Phillies made sure of that when they were rebuffed by the Jays. They went out instead and obtained Ciff Lee from the Cleveland Indians , without having to really give up all that much. And it’d appear that the Indians may well be in the midst of cleaning house as it’s been said that they’re also prepared to listen to offers for their All Star catcher , Victor Martinez .

Mark Teixeira watches his home run in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ........

At this time of the year one would expect that they New York Yankees would be major players as it comes down to the trade deadline. But such has been the play and form of the team. That having gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and then seeing their most heated rival the Red Sox seemingly in something of a splutter. It has to be said that they may well be feeling very good about the way things are now turning out. The Yankees’ hitters are hitting with effortless ease and perhaps most surprisingly their pitching is finally beginning to look more ominous. The same however, can’t be said of the Boston Red Sox. They’ve struggled to find some semblance of offense and their closer , Jonathan Papelbon all of a sudden seems to be unable to close out games even when nothing more than three outs is required.

Rays' pitcher Matt Garza reacts after giving up a run last night in the team's 6-2 loss to the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson .................

And while the two predominantly most talked about teams within the division seemingly go on their merry way. Left , looking up at both within the divsion , are last year’s pennant and division winner , the Tampa Bay Rays (55-47). They’re 7 1/2 games out of first place , the spot now held by the New York Yankees (62-39) . And they are a mere 4 games behind the Boston Red Sox (58-42). Herein lies the dilemma for the Rays at present. It has been their inconsistency to win not only games with resonance but also their lack of taking series as and when it matters most. It now makes their task of even gaining a wild-card berth all the more formidable. Not only has the Rays’ pitching of late, been inconsistent . But so too has been the unearthly silence of their bats.

Yahkees' second baseman Robinson Cano tags the Rays' Jason Bartlett as he tries to steal a base in the third inning of the game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ............................

The Tampa Bay Rays now face a four game series against the Kansas City Royals . Before they take on the Boston Red Sox in a 2 game series , that’ll have a great deal of meaning for both teams in more ways than one. A loss of the series and it could well spell an end for the Rays’ aspirations in obtaining a wild-card berth. A win and it gives them the added confidence of trying to pursue that goal with even more zeal.

Evan Longoria of the Rays is congratulated by teammate Ben Zobrist after his home run against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning of the game. The Rays would go on to lose 6-2 and fall futher behind both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East division. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ..................

Coming off a series’ loss to the New York Yankees merely added to the woes of the team. And there’s now even more growing uncertainty as to the ownership’s overall ambitions as to the remainder of the season for the Tampa Bay Rays. There’s already speculation that the team may well be prepared to make one or two trades that’ll ease their salary burden. Atop of of the list of the players said to be rumored to be departing is their pitcher Scott Kazmir . In spite of this all, for the moment all we can do is wait to see what will transpire over the ensuing 24 hours to the trade deadline. If nothing else , any decisions that are forthcoming will be made in conjunction with the team’s management structure and that of its executives in the form of Joe Maddon , the team’s GM Andrew Friedman and principal owner Stuart Sternberg . Cost cutting once was the norm for the team. But if they’re to go down this road once again, whatever goodwill that they built up within the community , by way of the support shown. It may well count for nothing at the end of the day. There’s only so much that the fanbase can withstand. And at the same time there’s only so much that ownership may well be prepared to do , in order to facilitate the perceived semblance of success.

Such have been the vagaries of the game. That even in these uncertain economic times . Within the game of baseball it is still about the haves and have nots. It’s not necessarily about competition on the field of play. But how much one can afford to spend in order to attain a championship and then to be viewed as a champion.

Wednesday Round-Up

Hello, and welcome to this weeks Wednesday Round-up. Today I’m going to hit you up on Drew Bennett, the Vikings, and a preview of Quarterback Friday.

DREW BENNETT

Only a few days after signing a contract with the Ravens – Bennett has retired. No, it’s not his age. It’s the ‘ole knees. He said they simply weren’t going to last a season. He the kind of guy who doesn’t finish something he can’t start.

A little fact, he and Derrick Mason were both former TN Titan Wideouts that went to the Ravens. And both retired this month.

THE VIKINGS

Yes, I’m talking Vikings this Wednesday. They have – for now – lost chances at Brett Favre. So now, they have to turn around to Jackson and say, “Hey, we trusted you this whole time. Just get this whole Favre thing.” Anyway, I think this is exactly the chip that Jackson needs on his shoulders. Also, I don’t want you to forget about Sage, the guy has some hidden talent. A great bench QB – that could have chances at a starting role.

QB FRIDAYS PREVIEW

I really wanted to go more in depth with Vick. But, Favre making his decision has really forced me to sway the original plan. But I’ll be sure to get into Vick another week. So, unless someone signs Vick – don’t count on it – I’ll be talking some Brett Favre on Friday.

This has been your Wensday Round-Up.

Punch Drunk Love ……..

We were all no doubt inspired by the spectacular achievements by swimmer Michael Phelps at the Beijing Olympics of 2008. And no one can deny the astounding physical feats of the athlete , who was aslo ably abetted by his teammates in the team relay events. In total , Phelps won eight gold medals in Beijing. And when one bears in mind that he also won 6 previously, at the Athens (Summer) Olympics of 2004 . His tally of fourteen gold medals cannot be overlooked. And the fact that it also made him the most successful Olympian ever , adds to his mystique and esteem.

Michael Phelps competing in the men's 200m individual medley at the Beijing Olympics (2008). It was one eight gold medals won by the athlete in the aquatic events at the games. picture appears courtesy of sports illustrated / Heniz Kluetmeier ......................

And throughout much of NBC‘s coverage of the Summer Olympics in Beijing. We were force fed every bit of jingoism and alleged patriotism that they could possibly squeeze out of the apparent story. No rock was left unturned by the network during the coverage. And in the end I’ve got to admit that the I began to get bored with the whole notion that the world evolved solely around this one American athlete in Beijing. Very little was made , if any , as to one of Phelps’ own teammates, Eric Shanteau . The swimmer, having been diagnosed with testicular cancer , chose to put off immediate treatment in the form of chemotherapy, in order to compete in Beijing. Whilst there Shanteau was closely monitored by the US Olympic swim team’s medical staff and his own personal physician who was on-hand to monitor his patient.

Usain Bolt crosses the finish line in a world and Olympic record time of 9.69 in the men's 100m finals at the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing , China. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ asia pacific/ Shaun Botterill ...........................

It’d appear that a story that was emotionally rich as that of Shanteau’s , bearly warranted mentioning. And for NBC one would’ve thought that , was all too big a story to overlook to begin with. But somehow it warranted merely nothing more than a menial sound byte in the end. It was all about Phelps , his heroics and that of the female gymnasts competing. And oh, less we forget the The Redeem Team as they were being called, the members of the US men’s basketball team. It’d be remiss also to forget their female counterparts, who like the men were made up completely of professionals from their respective professional leagues.

Eric Shanteau competing in the men's 200m breastroke prelimimnaries in Beijing , China. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Mark Dadswell ..................

And while no doubts the achievements of Phelps there were other extraordinary accomplishments made in Bejiing. They may not have warranted the attention that was given to Phelps. But inexplicably it all became about the swimmer’s achievements. In comparison , however who can forget the explosive feats of Jamaican sprinter , Usain Bolt ? The track and field star obliterated the record books and rewrote Olympic history on track. His feat in breaking the world and Olympic records in the men’s 100m and 200m , to go alongside that of the sprint relay in the 4x100m , was enough of a message to have been heard around the world like a thunderous boom. Those feats in of themselves were enough to spotlight some of the lesser known competitors and that of their nations.

A triumphant Phelps alongside his teammates celebrate their victory in the men's 4x100 medley relay finals in Beijing . picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Timothy Clark ...............

And now as we come full circle whereby Phelps and his fellow competitors are competing at the FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy. The eyes of the world are once again are said to be on Michael Phelps. It was hoped that the swimmer would be able to triumph once again over his foes. Many of whom , he’d defeated in Beijing , would also be competing in Rome, also. That being said in light of the controversy that has taken place concerning the swimsuits worn by the racers there at the event. We knew it would be too good to be true . If Phelps , himself, wasn’t somehow involved or became a part of the unfolding debacle that has thus far surrounded the event.

A stunned Phelps looks up in disbelief after finishing second in the men's 200m freesytle finals at the World Championships in Rome. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Mark J. Terrill ....................

FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) , the international governing body of the sport recently had introduced rules and regulations that would ban the polyuerathane suits now being worn by the competitors. It is their wish that all competitive suits for future FINA sanctioned events will be made of natural textile. However, the ban itself will not take effect until 2010. In partcular the suits that were being headlighted , were the LZR suit made by Speedo . And that of the Arena X glide suit. Pandora’s box was initially opened up by FINA. Given the fact that they saw fit not have any rules in place concerning the suits. In the past eighteen months 125 world records have been broken in differing disciplines in the pool. Let’s just say that the suits are swimming’s answer to the steroid problem we now see engulfing the sports of baseball and that of cycling . But without the competitiors having to subject themselves to mercilessly having to inject themselves with an illecit substance.

Phelps and his coach seated to his left , Bob Bowman in Beijing , China during the Olympics. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Kristian Dowling .................

At the world championships in Rome thus far , over a dozen world records have succumbed to the competitors at the event.And in spite of this all , nothing would prepare those of us who took interest in one Phelps’ best event. That of the men’s 200m freestyle, an event in which Phelps previously had held the world record. In the finals, however , the unthinkable would happen. As Phelps was defeated by the German swimmer Paul Biedermann who shattered Phelps’ own world record , in a time of 1m 42.00 secs , bettering the previous record by 96/100ths of a second. However. the actions of Phelps’ coach Bob Bowman smacked of that, of an infantile schoolchild who’d been scolded, having been caught doing something wrong. Bowman was contemptuous of the victor, stating …..’ that his use of a polyuerathane suit that gave Biedermann an unacceptable advantage’. Bearing mind that Phelps also wore a suit similar in design but without the same buoyancy as that of Biedermann’s. Mindful of this , the question one must now ask . With Phelps’ own accomplishments in Beijing how is it that now Bowman should be angered at his pupil’s defeat ? Was this not the same individual , himself who also wore a LZR suit to victory in Beijing , China ? It somehow appears that Bowman can mete out punishment via his pupil. But is somehow is not quite as gracious in defeat. He then suggested that he’d withdraw Phelps from all other events he’d entered Foro di Italia venue in Rome, were the controversy not sorted out concerning the use of the swimsuits.

Phelps on his way to winning the men's 200m butterfly final at the World Championships in Rome. Phelps would go on to win the event in world record time. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Filippo Monteforte ........................

Granted , Phelps has obtained a reprieve by then going out and shattering his own world record in the men’s 200m butterfly final in a time of 1m 51.51 seconds. They state that revenge is a dish best served cold. But I think that in the case of Bowman , his type of revenge is to berate others when his pupil doesn’t perform up to par. Or perhaps show that he’s invincible ? Much of that may have come about by the praise heaped upon Phelps’ shoulders and the very fact that soon afterwards the swimmer’s all too glaring frailties came to the fore. Bowman for his part didn’t seem to be all that mindful at the time. Moreover, he too may well have been caught up in the allure and attention that both he and Phelps were said to be getting.

Finally, The Favre Saga Is Over (Maybe)

After months of reporters camping out in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, waiting for the latest news on a retired NFL quarterback looking to possibly return to the league — for the third time — the Brett Favre saga has ended, for now.

Earlier Tuesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress had said that Favre would not be making a comeback. Favre later confirmed the news to ESPN.

Favre had set a self-imposed deadline for a decision on whether to return for July 30, which is when the Vikings open up training camp. If Favre were to be an affective QB for the Vikings, he would need to be in camp, interacting with his new teammates and building chemistry with his wide receivers. Though reports recently emerged that the Vikings had no deadline set for Favre, the fact that Favre followed through and came up with a decision before the start of camp was a nice gesture.

The pressure was mounting on Favre to come to a conclusion, as football fans had become sick of the story. Favre has been contemplating retirement for the last seven years now, and the back-and-forth that he has played with the media has worn on the emotions of not just fans directly effected by his decisions, but with fans everyone. When Favre conducted a teary-eyed press conference a few months after the Green Bay Packers heartbreaking loss to the New York Giants in the 2008 NFC Championship, the world assumed he was done for good. Just a few weeks later, however, Favre indicated that he was getting the itch to return to the game. When he decided that he wanted to return to Green Bay, the Packers had already moved on, giving the starting QB job to Aaron Rodgers. Drama ensued, with Favre reportedly wanting to play for the Vikings. The Packers would not let that happen since it was a division rival, and promptly traded him to the Jets.

The bright lights of New York never appeared to become comfortable for Favre, but he played well enough to get the Jets off to an 8-3 start. The Jets tailed off at the end of the season, however, with Favre being the key reason for the dropoff. Favre retired after the season, and once again it looked like his career was over.

Then, Favre was released from the Jets, giving him the ability to sign with any team in the league, should he so choose. The Vikings quickly became the first and only option, and months of posturing between the two sides followed. But the back-and-forth has now ended. Favre is finally done tormenting with the Vikings. His comments to ESPN show that this well-likely could be the end of a fascinating career.

“It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” Favre said. “I didn’t feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable. I would like to thank everyone, including the Packers, Jets and Vikings — but, most importantly, the fans.”

Even with those comments, this is Brett Favre we are talking about. He could once again get the itch to play in the NFL, and the back-and-forth could be back on. He told NFL Network’s Steve Mariucci that he will still throw and work out. This story may be over, and it may not be over. With Brett Favre, it’s hard to truly know.

Later, we’ll be diving further into Favre’s career and his place in NFL history, as well as where the Vikings go from here.