Childress opens up about Favre, Moss fiasco in Minnesota

Brad Childress has one big regret about the 2010 season, his last as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. But it's not the one that likely comes to everyone's mind first.

Roaming the hallways of the NFL.com and NFL Network offices in Culver City, Calif., on Wednesday, Childress opened up about his unceremonious departure from Minnesota last November.

The Vikings decided to fire Childress 10 games into the season for many reasons. Their 3-7 record, for one. Their embarrassing 31-3 home loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 11, another. But perhaps the biggest reason was Childress' odd jettisoning of Randy Moss -- without telling owner Zygi Wilf first -- just four weeks after the team traded for the receiver.

"I should have gone up the chain," Childress now admits.

Childress said he had no such regrets about bringing back the Vikings' other big headliner, quarterback Brett Favre, for another season. The courting of Favre last August brought vitriol from some corners because of his age (40) and the distraction he created by missing minicamp. But the Vikings were fresh off an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2009, and Favre was the man who took them there. Childress said it was a no-brainer to chase Favre rather than go into 2010 with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback.

"(Favre) had his best season ever his first year (in Minnesota)," Childress said of Favre's 33-touchdown, seven-interception campaign. "Could you do more with Brett Favre? Absolutely you could."

It's easy to criticize in hindsight, after Favre stumbled through a 24-turnover, injury-marred campaign.

"We made a conscious effort to bring everybody back," Childress said. "What did we get for it? I got fired, and (Favre) got hurt. Did I feel like he was as sharp as he could've been? No."

As for the Moss fiasco, Childress said he wanted to acquire a player who would be a difference-maker for the Vikings after they got off to a disappointing 1-2 start. They needed a player who could stretch the field while Sidney Rice recuperated from an injury.

Enter Moss. He made a difference all right, unfortunately tipping the needle in the wrong direction.

"He called me and said, 'I can't wait, I can't wait. I feel like I'm coming home again,' " Childress recalled.

Despite Moss' reputation for loafing and being a distraction, Childress believed the receiver would be more mature with 12 seasons under his belt. He believed Moss wouldn't be a distraction in the locker room.

Uh, not so much.

"We had good guys, by and large," Childress said, "(but Moss) walked in the locker room and vomited on it."

Childress had tried to develop a better locker room since becoming the Vikings' head coach in 2005. He inherited a team coming off the "Love Boat" scandal and a quarterback (Daunte Culpepper) with a bad knee and not the best work habits.

By 2010, Childress believed he had righted the Vikings ship in the character department and could afford to take on Moss. But instead of augmenting that veteran leadership with another quality veteran, the Vikings got a 1-3 record, 13 receptions and at least as many headaches from Moss' tenure.

Was Childress the perfect coach? No. But he's a smart guy who started his career with a tiny stipend to assist Gary Moeller at Illinois. That was 1979. Childress' first job in the NFL was 26 years ago in Indianapolis with Rod Dowhower. Basically, he's a football lifer.

"Coaching is what I do," he said.

And he has enjoyed much success at it, despite being vilified since Leslie Frazier took over in Minneapolis. People forget how sought after Childress was while being a part of a Philadelphia Eagles staff that went to four consecutive NFC Championship Games. Charley Casserly in Houston called him, Ted Thompson in Green Bay called him and, of course, so did the Vikings. Remember, the failure in Minnesota wasn't solely his fault. He did what so many coaches do tactically, and got a lot further than many doing it.

That might be all he needs to answer for.

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Favre enjoying retirement, hasn't decided next move

HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Brett Favre says while his playing days are definitely over, he hasn't decided what he's going to do with himself in the coming years.

The three-time NFL Most Valuable Player hosted the "Brett Favre 7 on 7 at The Rock" football camp on the campus of Southern Miss, his alma mater, on Tuesday. He mingled with players and coaches in the nearly 100-degree heat, and occasionally squads would gather around the 41-year-old for a pep talk.

"I'm just one of the guys," Favre said. "And I enjoy it that way. If anything, that's what I want these kids to take away from this."

The 24-team camp for high school players was used to raise money for the quarterback's "Favre 4 Hope Foundation" and his "USM Brett Favre Scholarship" endowment.

Favre says he likes dealing with young players, citing their willingness to learn, but didn't want to be tied down by a full-time coaching commitment. He says he has enjoyed staying around Southern Miss but has "no plans right now and we'll see where that takes me."

Favre has made occasional appearances in his home state during the spring, including throwing out the first pitch before a game during the Conference USA baseball tournament in Pearl.

The quarterback has famously flip-flopped about his playing future in the past, retiring with the Green Bay Packers in 2008 and the New York Jets in 2009 before deciding to play again. This time, it appears he's content to be a bystander.

"It's been a long time since I watched a high school football game, or a college game for that matter," Favre said. "I kind of look forward to it."

Favre played last season with the Minnesota Vikings, but his 20th year in the league was remembered more for injuries and off-the-field turmoil than results on the field. He threw just 11 touchdowns compared to 19 interceptions and his 69.9 quarterback rating was the lowest of his career.

He also was hounded with allegations that he sent lewd photos and messages to a Jets female employee when both worked for the team in 2008, and was fined $50,000 by the NFL for failing to cooperate with the investigation.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Murphy: Packers will reach out to Favre 'at appropriate time'

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy still expects the team to reconcile with former quarterback Brett Favre at some point.

Speaking at the Packers' Super Bowl Media Day session Tuesday, Murphy said the team plans to reach out to Favre, although it remains unclear when that might happen.

"At the appropriate time, we'll reach out to him," Murphy said. "I envision that he'll come back into the fold. We want to make sure it's the right time for him and for us."

Murphy has said he expects the team to eventually repair its relationship with Favre, the former face of the franchise now led by Aaron Rodgers. And Favre seemed to take a step toward reconciliation last month, telling ESPN that he was rooting for the Packers to "win it all."

Favre had a public falling-out with the team's front office in 2008, amid yet another round of waffling on his retirement. The Packers traded Favre to the New York Jets, and he later played two more seasons for the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings before calling it quits again.

Murphy said he's proud of the way the team handled a difficult situation. Murphy also said the controversy galvanized his working relationships with general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy.

"Few players had a bigger impact on an organization that Brett did," Murphy said. "It tested us. Obviously, I think a lot of people disagreed with the decision, but I'm proud, looking back, (of how) the organization handled it. Also, as I look back on it, one of the benefits was that early on in my tenure, it forced Ted and myself and Mike to really come together on an issue. I think looking back on it now, it's been really positive."

Of course, it wouldn't have worked out so well had Rodgers not become the player he is today, leading the Packers into Sunday's Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I'm really glad that Aaron's a good player," Murphy said.

Thompson said he expects Packers fans to embrace Favre at some point, but he didn't want to discuss the circumstances of the quarterback's split with the team after 16 seasons.

"I think certainly Brett is a very important part of the Packers' history, and yes, he will be embraced by the Green Bay Packers and all those things," Thompson said. "The other part, we've moved on from."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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End of the line? Favre inactive for Vikings' season finale

Brett Favre was the NFL's ultimate iron man for 19 years, inspiring coaches and teammates with unparalleled toughness and thrilling fans with a daredevil's verve and a showman's sense of the moment.

Yet the once-irrepressible Favre never looked older or more fragile than in year No. 20. The magic of last season, and most of his brilliant career, never seemed farther away.

It had to end some time. And Favre says that time is now.

The 41-year-old quarterback sat out Minnesota's season-ending 20-13 loss to the Lions on Sunday with a concussion, and it appears that perhaps the toughest man to ever play in the NFL had his career end not on the field trying to rally the Vikings to another victory, but on the bench as a third-string rookie floundered in Favre's place.

No one -- not even Brett Favre -- can play forever.

"I know it's time, and that's OK. It is," Favre said after the defeat. "Again, I hold no regrets, and I can't think of too many players offhand that can walk away and say that. Individually and from a team standpoint, it was way more than I ever dreamed of."

He also retired in 2008 with the Packers and 2009 with the Jets, only to return to the field both times when the football bug bit him in the summer. He knows that there will be doubters again.

"I don't know for me if it's ever easy," Favre said. "I'm sure throughout this year, the comment has been made that, 'We'll wait and see in August or September' and that's fine. It's time. I'm OK with it."

If this indeed is the end -- for real, this time -- for Favre, one of the most colorful and celebrated careers in league history concluded with a season filled with interceptions, injuries and insults.

He was picked off 19 times this season and his 69.9 quarterback rating is the lowest of his career. The Vikings sunk to the bottom of the NFC North after starting the season with Super Bowl aspirations, coach Brad Childress was fired during the season and Favre was fined $50,000 for failure to cooperate with an NFL investigation into allegations that he sent lewd photos and messages to a team employee when both worked for the New York Jets in 2008.

Favre's reputation took a serious hit from the humiliating scandal, which tarnished the image of one of the league's most popular players. He declined to comment on the fine after the game.

His long-awaited union with receiver Randy Moss also was a spectacular failure and his cherished streak of 297 straight starts ended three weeks ago, with a sprained throwing shoulder making it impossible for Favre to let those famously zip-filled passes rip from his right arm.

And just for good measure, the Metrodome roof caved in to provide a perfect metaphor for Favre and the Vikings' 2010, forcing the Vikings to play "home" games at Detroit and at the University of Minnesota's outdoor stadium in December.

"It's been a wonderful experience for me," Favre said. "This year did not work out the way we would have hoped, but that's football. I don't regret coming back. I enjoyed my experience here."

He was listed as doubtful for the game against the Lions on Sunday, having failed to pass the necessary tests to be cleared to play during the week. The Vikings announced that he was inactive about 80 minutes before kickoff, and Joe Webb started his second straight game at quarterback.

"He's a guy who loves football to death. You can tell. He played up until he was 41 years old," Webb said. "I admire him, he's a great mentor for me. I'll always keep in contact with him."

The season started reluctantly, with Favre having serious reservations about coming back after having surgery on his ankle last summer. He also wondered if he could duplicate his incredible 2009 performance, which he called the best of his career.

Childress had to send three of Favre's closest friends on the team -- Ryan Longwell, Jared Allen and Steve Hutchinson -- on a private plane to Hattiesburg, Miss., to coax the old man into coming back for one more shot at a Super Bowl.

But that sensational 33-touchdown, seven-interception masterpiece he put together to help the Vikings reach the NFC title game last year was doomed from the start. Injuries to his two best receivers made it difficult for Favre to get going, and that indestructible body of his finally started to break down.

"All indications, when I talk with him, and we've had many, many discussions -- this is it," coach Leslie Frazier said. "I don't even think it'll be an issue in the future. I don't see any situation that's going to change his mind. You might say, 'We'll, we've been down that road before," but it's different now. Things are different, in his life and in the organization's life as well."

The website Deadspin published the tawdry allegations about Favre's supposed advances on Jenn Sterger in October, and he spent the next two months sidestepping questions about it while being exposed to the kind of public humiliation that he's never had to deal with before.

His record starts streak ended against the Giants on Dec. 13. He was knocked out of three games this season -- against New England on Oct. 31 with a gaping wound on his chin, Buffalo on Dec. 5 with the shoulder injury and Chicago on Dec. 20 with the concussion -- and also played through two broken bones in his foot, tendinitis in his elbow and injuries to his neck, back, ribs and calf.

Renowned for his ability to recover quickly, Favre missed three of his final four games and played a total of less than two quarters over the final five games as the Vikings fell apart.

Childress was fired after a 3-7 start and the Vikings finished 6-10, putting them in last place for the first time since 1990. Favre's team also finished with a losing record for just the second time in his 19 years as a starter.

"One game, one season does not define me," Favre said. "There will be people saying it's a shame you went out that way, this and that.

"I am truly grateful for the opportunity that, by the grace of God, I got a chance to play this game and play it at a high level and I'm honored. I hope that people admired the way I played, my passion for it, because I hold no regrets."

Assuming this is the end, Favre departs as the career leader in victories (186), yards passing (71,838), touchdown passes (508), attempts (10,169), completions (6,300) and interceptions (336). He was drafted in 1991 by Atlanta but never completed a pass for the Falcons before moving on to Green Bay, where he spent 16 seasons, won three MVP awards and led the Packers to a Super Bowl title in 1997.

After the Packers grew weary of his indecisiveness about retirement, they traded him to the Jets. He spent a forgettable season in New York before joining the Vikings in 2009.

There were a few highlights for Favre in 2010. He threw his 500th career TD pass against the Jets on Oct. 11 and threw for a career-high 446 yards to rally the Vikings from a 14-point deficit with less than 5 minutes remaining to beat the Cardinals on Nov. 7.

Favre got one last victory under his belt when he won the coin toss before the game on Sunday. When the final whistle blew, Favre waved to the fans and jogged past his teammates, up the tunnel and into the team's locker room.

"That's the thing every player and former player that I've talked to ... will tell you that what you miss is the guys, the fellowship, the bus rides, locker rooms, winning and losing together, celebrating together," Favre said. "That's the things you're going to miss. If I sat here and told you I would not miss that, I'd be kidding myself. From a playing standpoint, there's nothing else left to do."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Vikes' Favre still doubtful; Peterson ready to go vs. Eagles

Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier announced Monday that quarterback Brett Favre has yet to pass the first part of his concussion test and remains doubtful for the team's Tuesday night showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to the Star Tribune.

Favre led the Vikings on a touchdown drive to open the game Monday night against the Chicago Bears, but he didn't make it through the second quarter after being sacked by Corey Wootton. Favre's head slammed off the frigid turf at TCF Bank Stadium, and he was knocked woozy.

The Vikings didn't list Favre, 41, as "out" Monday, as they did last week when he had a sprained right shoulder. He was upgraded to questionable the day of the game and ended up starting against the Bears.

Frazier said earlier this week that no Vikings player had participated in a game the week after suffering a concussion.

Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson told the Star Tribune that he will play Tuesday.

Peterson was listed as questionable with the thigh bruise that kept him out of the game against the Bears and said that the extra two days off "helps a lot."

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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Favre suffers concussion vs. Bears, not sure if he'll play again

MINNEAPOLIS -- Brett Favre talked his way back into the starting lineup, hoping a snowy Monday night game would be just the setting he needed.

The 41-year-old got the hometown crowd roaring when he led the Minnesota Vikings to a touchdown on the opening drive, and all the ingredients were there for one last memorable Monday with Favre.

"I knew it was the last home game," Favre said afterward. "This also may seem kind of crazy, but I was looking forward to playing in a blizzard."

Instead, his surprising return ended all too quickly. Bears defensive end Corey Wootton slammed the quarterback to the frigid turf in the second quarter. Favre watched the rest of a 40-14 loss from the bench, his night, and perhaps his career, ended by a concussion.

Favre shrugged off a sprained right shoulder to start the game on Monday night, receiving a thunderous ovation from the crowd when he was introduced. Favre said he wanted to play one more time in front of the Vikings fans who have come to embrace him in his two seasons in purple.

"It made a lot of sense that, if this were the last game, to play it here in front of our fans," Favre said.

He went 2 for 2 on the opening drive, throwing a 23-yard touchdown pass to Percy Harvin to give the Vikings a 7-0 lead. Favre leaped on to guard Ryan Cook's back in the end zone to celebrate, but the fun ended quickly in the second quarter.

Wootton beat Bryant McKinnie off the left side and flung Favre to the turf. The quarterback stayed motionless for a few seconds before slowly rising and walking off with his head hung down. Favre's face was streaked with material from the artificial surface and he appeared dazed as he put on a jacket on the sideline.

He finished 5 for 7 for 63 yards with a TD and an interception. Favre has said several times this year that this will be his last season, and only two games remain, at Philadelphia and at Detroit. He didn't rule out playing again this season, but didn't sound as if he had much left, either.

"My last pass was just as much fun as my first one," Favre said.

Favre wasn't supposed to even suit up at all, after being declared out Saturday on the official injury report. But the Vikings upgraded him to questionable Monday after he woke up feeling better and wanted to give it a try.

"I assume 'out' means that," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "You learn something new every day."

The Vikings notified the NFL and the Bears of his status change, and league spokesman Greg Aiello said there is nothing in the rules that prevents a team from changing a player's injury report designation.

"If a player's medical status changes during the course of the week, the club must update his playing status accordingly prior to the game," Aiello said. "That is what the Vikings did when Brett's status changed today."

He came out for warmups wearing a black ski mask, and after making some throws with flakes falling around him, he was announced as the starter. Favre had his NFL-record starts streak end at 297 games last week against the Giants.

Speaking before the game, Commissioner Roger Goodell said, "We don't allow people to play games with the injury list. They have to be legitimate medical injuries."

Favre was originally hurt when he was blindsided by Bills linebacker Arthur Moats and drilled into the turf on his first pass of the game on Dec. 5. He did not throw a pass in practice all week and rookie Joe Webb was set to start.

But Favre can never be counted out, especially on Monday nights. He's had some of his greatest performances on the NFL's biggest regular-season stage, none more notable than when he threw for 399 yards and four TDs in a Monday night win at Oakland -- the day after his father died of a heart attack.

"Just watching the way he came out and performed, the way he took command of our team in our huddle, just convinced me during our warmups that it was the right thing to do," interim coach Leslie Frazier said. "Because our players really fed off the energy that he brings, the leadership that he brings."

After that opening drive, a brief glimmer of hope.

"I think everybody in America who was watching was thinking, 'Here we go again,'" Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell said. "You expect the best from him because he's given us no reason not to expect that in situations like this."

The Vikings and Bears played at the University of Minnesota's outdoor stadium because the Metrodome's roof collapsed last weekend after a heavy snowstorm.

Favre's 20th NFL season has been one of his toughest. In addition to the streak ending, Favre has 19 interceptions, third most in the league, and his 69.6 quarterback rating was good for 30th before the game started.

"I wouldn't trade it, this season, last season, the 20 years, for anything," Favre said.

Favre is also the subject of an NFL investigation into allegations that he sent inappropriate text messages and photos to a New York Jets employee when both worked for the team in 2008. Goodell said he is still evaluating the findings and hoped to make a decision before the end of the regular season.

Favre said the two met briefly before the game, but declined to discuss specifics.

"I'm still following up on some of the information, making sure that we've been thorough," Goodell said. "We want to be as thorough and serious about it and reach the right conclusion."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Goodell focused on Favre probe meeting 'the right conclusion'

MINNEAPOLIS -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he's still "following up" on some of the information in the Brett Favre investigation to make sure it's thorough and reaches "the right conclusion."

Goodell met with Favre briefly during his visit to Minnesota for Monday's Bears-Vikings game at snowy TCF Bank Stadium. Goodell did not elaborate on the nature of the work he has left to do on the investigation, nor would he be specific when asked when he will declare his decision.

"I'm not going to put a timetable on it, other than I did say I hope it'll be by the end of the regular season," Goodell said.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will take your questions live on NFL.com at 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Join the conversation as Goodell discusses a wide variety of league issues.  More ...

He added: "We want to be as thorough and serious about it and reach the right conclusion."

Favre said he had a "brief conversation" with Goodell before the game, but the quarterback declined to elaborate on the discussion.

"I wouldn't call that an investigation or anything like that," Favre said.

Favre allegedly sent inappropriate messages and lewd photos to former New York Jets employee Jenn Sterger two years ago when they were both with the team. The allegations against the 41-year-old quarterback surfaced months ago on the website Deadspin.

Favre, who was declared out for the game when the Vikings issued their injury report on Saturday, was upgraded to questionable on Monday and started despite a sprained throwing shoulder that kept him out the week before and ended his NFL-record streak of 297 straight regular-season games started.

His return didn't last long. Bears defensive end Corey Wootton slammed Minnesota's quarterback to the ground in the second quarter, and Favre watched the rest of a 40-14 loss from the bench.

Favre has said several times this year that this will be his last season, and only two games remain.

Goodell requested a meeting earlier in the day with Minnesota Gov.-elect Mark Dayton regarding the team's drive for a new stadium. The Vikings had been lobbying for a new place to play for more than a decade before the Metrodome's roof collapsed under the weight of last weekend's blizzard.

Goodell also met with business leaders, union leaders and state legislators. He said he will help however he can.

"I think there's a recognition that we need to find a long-term solution for the Vikings here, get a new stadium built, and we're all going to work together," commissioner said.

Dayton said before the meeting that Goodell will have a "crucial" role in the process.

"If it's a good deal for the people of Minnesota, I'll support it," Dayton said. "If the financial benefits of 8,000 construction jobs, the taxes they pay, the additional revenues from contractors, subcontractors, all of the financial gains to the state of Minnesota exceed the costs, then it's a good deal for the people of Minnesota."

Two separate groups in Los Angeles are aiming to build stadiums there. The Vikings have a lease at the Metrodome through next season. But Goodell said he "certainly" hopes the franchise would not be relocated.

"Our focus is entirely on making sure they're successful here in this market," Goodell said.

Goodell stopped by the Metrodome to see the damage and called it "quite startling." Because the focus has been on getting the stadium at the University of Minnesota ready, Goodell said, it was too early to assess the Metrodome's status for next season.

Players from both the Bears and the Vikings voiced worry this week about the safety of the turf at TCF Bank Stadium, the University of Minnesota's home field, but Goodell said experts have signed off on the condition and expressed no concern about it.

"We have great respect for the players," Goodell said. "They're a part of developing these rules and focusing on the techniques that we think should be eliminated from the game. We'll continue to make sure that the rules are enforced to make the game as safe as possible."

Goodell also addressed the status of the league's labor talks with the players' union, given the lack of a collective bargaining agreement in place for next season.

"We're not as close as I'd like to be. We have a lot more work to be done," Goodell said. "We have time to get it done, but it's going to need a very concerted effort to get that done."

For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Bears knock out Favre, Vikings to win first NFC North title since 2006

MINNEAPOLIS -- Bundled up on the sideline in a heavy, gray coat, Brett Favre could only watch as Devin Hester and the Chicago Bears sped through the snow to the NFC North title.

Favre's surprise start ended with a concussion, perhaps putting him out for good, and the Bears spoiled Minnesota's first outdoor home game in 29 years.

Vikings quarterback Brett Favre made a surprise start Monday, but a second quarter head injury cut short what was likely the final home start of his Hall of Fame career.  More ...

Hester set the NFL record with his 14th kick return touchdown, running back a punt 64 yards for a score shortly after halftime to help the Bears fly past the Vikings 40-14 on a frosty, hard-hitting Monday night.

"You play long enough, you're going to get your bell rung," Favre said.

Jay Cutler threw for three scores for the Bears (10-4), who last won this division during their 2006 Super Bowl season. Hester caught one of Cutler's touchdown passes and also took back the second-half kickoff 79 yards to set up a field goal a few minutes before his game-breaking punt return made it 27-7.

That was Hester's 14th career return touchdown, kickoff or punt, breaking Brian Mitchell's previous mark.

"Don't dwell on this," Hester said. "It's the record-breaker, but there's going to be a lot more. I guarantee you that."

Favre doesn't have many, if any, left. He finished 5 for 7 for 63 yards before the big hit by Corey Wootton, and the Vikings (5-9) fell apart in front of their proud alumni in town for the franchise's 50th anniversary celebration featuring all kinds of blasts from the past.

With the Metrodome unusable because of a roof collapse, the game was moved to the University of Minnesota. TCF Bank Stadium was about 80 percent full, with snowballs flying from the seats -- sometimes hitting players -- and plenty of frolicking in the flakes.

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Favre wasn't even supposed to play, but his sprained throwing shoulder suddenly felt better this weekend. His NFL-record starts streak over, he still wanted to play once more in front of the Vikings fans that embraced him so warmly after booing him for so long as a member of the Packers.

He passed his pregame throwing test and trotted out in front of the Minnesota fans one last time, finding Percy Harvin for a 23-yard TD to give the Vikings a 7-0 lead after the opening drive.

"There were a few friendly wagers in the quarterback room on whether Brett would be out there," said Cutler, who had a cut on his chin after a hit from Antoine Winfield and played with a big bandage. "I wasn't surprised at all."

Favre managed one more joyful jump on a teammate's back to celebrate a touchdown, piggybacking right guard Ryan Cook before embracing Harvin and raising his left arm in triumph as he jogged off.

"It was a great opening drive," Favre said. "I probably should've went straight up the tunnel after that. But again -- you've got to try sometimes."

Henry Melton tipped Favre's pass on the next Minnesota possession, Julius Peppers intercepted it at the 14 and Robbie Gould kicked a field goal. The next drive was a three-and-out, and Favre had to hustle back and smother the ball after a high snap slipped through his hands. Cutler zipped a 67-yard pass up the sideline over safety Madieu Williams to a streaking Johnny Knox, and the Bears built a 10-7 lead they never lost.

In the second quarter, the Vikings lost Favre -- possibly for good.

On third-and-4 from the Bears 48, Wootton got in the backfield and grabbed Favre by his non-throwing shoulder, slamming him to the cold turf players had worried about in the days before the game. The career leader in almost every major statistical category for quarterbacks, Favre lay motionless for a few seconds before climbing to his feet and walking off with his head hung down.

Devin Hester made NFL history on Monday, setting a record with his 14th career return for a touchdown. The Bears star moved ahead of Redskins great Brian Mitchell on the all-time list.  More ...

With a black cap pulled past his eyebrows, Favre grimaced as he put on an oversized purple coat and got ready to watch the rest of the game. Rookie Joe Webb took over, scoring on a 13-yard scramble to the edge of the end zone to cut the lead to 27-14, but the Bears had their way after putting perhaps the final seal on Favre's storied 20-year career.

Favre repeatedly has said this will be his final season. He spoke wistfully of his career after the game, but refused to rule himself out of either of the last two games just yet.

"He can walk away with his legacy intact," Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier said.

If Favre was diagnosed with a concussion, he'd need to meet NFL guidelines requiring him to be symptom-free and cleared by both a team doctor and independent neurological consultant before he can play again.

The Bears were playing their second straight snow-globe-style game, actually, eager to erase the taste of last week's blowout loss at Soldier Field to the New England Patriots.

They certainly got that done.

"By no means are we completely satisfied," Cutler said. "We know we can be so much better offensively."

Afterthoughts in a division featuring Favre and the reigning champion Vikings plus a dangerous Green Bay team, the Bears didn't buy into the doubts. They've caught several opponents at the right time, including the banged-up Vikings. With Cutler playing better, Hester back in his super-rookie form and the defense relatively healthy again, however, the Bears are feeling just fine.

"It's hard to stop that type of team, when everybody is scoring," Hester said.

Former Vikings coach Bud Grant jogged around the field at halftime in a short-sleeve purple shirt, getting carried off by some of his former players after an inspired ceremony.

With general-admission seating, customers braved the cold in parkas, snowmobile suits and ski caps, celebrating touchdowns with snowball throws and cheering their favorite players from the past as they were introduced at halftime.

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Dozens of workers the massaged the field before the game to make it as playable as possible, with machines pushing snow across the yard lines and into the corners of the brick-lined walls. Crews gently rolled off the tarp before warmups while the flakes kept flying.

Players from both teams expressed concerns this week about the safety of the turf. Vikings punter Chris Kluwe posted on Twitter after Sunday's walkthrough his comparison of the surface to "concrete." He predicted a "trainwreck" and later said he was asked to stop tweeting by the team.

Notes: The temperature at kickoff was 23 degrees, with a windchill of 9. ... The attendance was announced at 40,504. ... Williams left the game with a concussion. ... Chicago's Matt Forte, whose knee to the head knocked Williams out, had 92 yards on 17 carries.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Sterger's lawyer: Completed Favre inquest sent to Goodell

The NFL has wrapped up its investigation into allegations that Brett Favre sent inappropriate phone messages and photos to a New York Jets team employee two years ago, the woman's attorney said Wednesday.

Attorney Joseph Conway said Joe Hummel, the director of investigative services for the NFL's security department, told him the case has been sent to Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league's lawyers for review.

"He told me it's upstairs in the commissioner's office and the lawyers are going over it," said Conway, the lawyer for Jenn Sterger. "I have not been told a timetable as when to expect something, and I have not been told what the findings will be."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to discuss details of the case and said "we're not ruling out this week. We're not ruling out next week" in terms of a decision.

Sterger allegedly received the inappropriate messages and photos two years ago when she and the quarterback both worked for the Jets. Favre has declined to address the allegations or the investigation.

Favre spent one season with the Jets in 2008 before joining the Minnesota Vikings last year. The 41-year-old quarterback has said that this will be his last season in the NFL, though he has retired before, only to return soon afterward.

Conway reiterated Sterger's desire for the league to announce the findings -- and any potential penalties while the NFL still has jurisdiction over him -- before the end of the season.

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora has reported that it's highly unlikely that Favre will be suspended, although other discipline, including a fine, is possible.

The NFL first announced the investigation in October, just before the Vikings played the Jets.

Sterger didn't meet with NFL officials to discuss the case and turn over alleged evidence until Nov. 11, but Conway said it would be unfair to say that was the reason why the investigation has taken so long.

"I think we did things very diligently," Conway said. "We went in just about a month ago. We were kind of under the expectation that that meeting was one of the last things that needed to be done. I'd be disappointed if anybody said that the reason this took so long is because Jenn did not come in right away."

The Sports Business Journal first reported the development.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Favre struggling with shoulder injury; status still unknown

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Brett Favre's sprained throwing shoulder makes it difficult for him to put on a shirt or pull on his socks, so the 41-year-old Minnesota Vikings quarterback will wait a few days before he decides about playing against the New York Giants on Sunday.

Favre said Wednesday that he is unsure if he will be able to extend his NFL record for consecutive games started. He hopes a few more days of rest will provide some clarity for him to make a decision by Friday, but Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier said he wouldn't be surprised if it goes right up until game time.

NFL Network analyst Solomon Wilcots says Vikings interim coach
Leslie Frazier is sticking to the plan, which is to make RB Adrian Peterson the offense's focus. More ...

Favre has started in 297 consecutive regular-season games, a record he cherishes more than any other he has achieved over the past 20 seasons. But if that mark ends Sunday, Favre insisted he is fine with that.

"It really hasn't crossed my mind this week that I've got to get out there to keep the streak going," Favre said. "I think the most important streak right now is we've won two in a row."

Favre didn't practice Wednesday and said it was unlikely that he would get much work in this week. He has played through numerous injuries throughout his career to keep the remarkable streak going, a reputation for toughness that has Frazier thinking that Favre will be ready to go again this week.

"Brett Favre is so, so unique when it comes to recovering from injuries," Frazier said. "I'm optimistic that he will be out there playing on Sunday."

In what he says is his final season, Favre has only reinforced his iron-man reputation. He is playing on a left foot that has two broken bones and also has played through tendinitis in his throwing elbow and injuries to his calf, neck, back and chin.

Still, Favre has thrown a league-high 18 interceptions, and his 69.6 passer rating ranks 29th in the league, ahead of just Arizona Cardinals veteran Derek Anderson and Carolina Panthers rookie Jimmy Clausen.

Favre said this injury, a sprained SC joint, is different. He has never had one like it before and isn't sure how he will recover. It happened when he was crunched by Buffalo Bills linebacker Arthur Moats in the third play of the game last Sunday and is even more significant because it is in Favre's throwing shoulder, which rendered him unable to play the rest of the game.

"I know if I pull my shirt over my head right now, I'm going to feel it," Favre said. "And if you think that way in a game: 'Ooh, if I throw this hook, it's going to (hurt), I may want to throw it to the flat first,' then I probably shouldn't play."

Tarvaris Jackson filled in for the rest of the game, throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions in Minnesota's 38-14 victory over Buffalo. If Favre cannot play, Jackson would make the start.

Frazier said team doctors and trainers are still discussing if a painkilling injection would even help Favre. A sprained SC joint is a rare injury in football, and the location -- where the collarbone meets the breastbone -- can make it more difficult to quickly rehabilitate.

Despite the beating he has taken this season, Favre still said he doesn't have any regrets about returning. He sometimes thinks about the toll that it will take on his body five or 10 years down the road.

"I think had I not played this year, I was going to still feel the 19 years I've played for many years to come," Favre said. "I probably haven't helped myself too much this year. But I chose to play, that's part of it. As an older player, you find it harder, as we all do, to recover from certain injuries. But that's the price you pay."

Frazier said it isn't an option to start Favre to keep the streak alive, then pull him for Jackson early in the game.

"Either he can go or he can't go," Frazier said. "We'd like to make that determination, and when he goes in there, we're at full expectation that he'll play for four quarters. That will be the plan. We wouldn't go into it, get a start, play a couple reps and get out. No."

That's fine with Favre.

"I want to see this through, and that means game and season," Favre said. "But I also don't want to jeopardize the team by just doing it for selfish reasons, and I wouldn't do that. Just treat it day to day, and if the streak's over this week, it's over."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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With Peterson injured, runs by Favre and Gerhart seal win over Redskins

LANDOVER, Md. -- Brett Favre's voice was a raspy whisper and he rattled a lozenge around in his mouth as he spoke about the 10-yard scramble his creaky legs managed to carve out Sunday, helping seal his Minnesota Vikings' 17-13 victory over the Washington Redskins.

"Did I expect to run for a first down? I haven't expected to run for a first down in quite a while," Favre said, smiling. "It was 10 yards? Really? It felt like 50. But we needed that win."

With Adrian Peterson sidelined since the second quarter with a right ankle injury, and Favre's receivers well-covered as he moved to his right on a bootleg on third-and-8, the 41-year-old QB ambled his way to the key first down right before the two-minute warning. Favre hadn't gained more than 4 yards on a run since 2008.

"He looked younger," Peterson observed. "He looked like he was 38 on that run."

And Favre looked about 28 afterward, popping up from the turf with one of his shoulder pads flapping around, then leaping on teammates for celebratory hugs -- no signs there of any problems with the foot, ankle and shoulder injuries he's had, nor the head and chest illness bothering him.

Moments later, after taking a knee to run out the clock, Favre went over to new coach Leslie Frazier and handed him the football.

The Vikings (4-7) ended a nine-game road losing streak less than a week after firing coach Brad Childress and promoting defensive coordinator Frazier, perhaps hoping for the sort of immediate bump the Dallas Cowboys got when they went from Wade Phillips to replacement Jason Garrett.

Frazier called Sunday's victory "hopefully the start of great things to come" and said he presented a game ball to team ownership -- and wanted to give one to every player.

"He's well-respected. It felt like when he talks, guys' ears are pinned up; they listen to everything that's coming out of his mouth," Peterson said about Frazier. "It's just a feeling that I really can't explain, a feeling of just being sure about the words that are coming out of his mouth and trusting them."

It was a rare enjoyable afternoon for Favre amidst a season filled with angst, injuries and interceptions. Aside from his NFL-worst 17 picks and all the losses, Favre is awaiting a ruling from the NFL about inappropriate messages he allegedly sent a woman working for the New York Jets when he played for that team.

Against the Redskins (5-6), Favre went 3 for 3 on Minnesota's opening possession, which ended with Peterson's 5-yard touchdown run. Favre then was 5 for 5 on the first drive of the second half, capped by a 5-yard TD from rookie Toby Gerhart, who took over after Peterson left.

Favre finished 15 for 23 for 172 yards -- and for only the second game this season, he did not throw an interception. Gerhart, a second-round pick in April's draft, carried 22 times for a career-high 76 yards and a score; his NFL total was 86 yards rushing coming into this game.

"Is Toby an explosive player like Adrian? I don't think anyone is," Favre said. "But he's pretty darn good."

The Redskins, meanwhile, ran for only 29 yards. Clinton Portis went on season-ending injured reserve during the week, and his top replacement, Ryan Torain, was inactive with a hurt hamstring, leaving running duties to Keiland Williams and James Davis.

After a successful start -- Donovan McNabb was 8 for 8 on an 83-yard drive that ended with his 10-yard TD toss to Fred Davis -- Washington's next seven possessions went like this: punt, punt, punt, end of half, punt, punt, interception.

McNabb finished 21 for 35 for 211 yards, with his career-worst-tying 13th interception of the season. It came on a throw that bounced off receiver Santana Moss and was corralled by linebacker E.J. Henderson, giving Minnesota the ball at Washington's 9. That set up Ryan Longwell's 31-yard field goal, putting the Vikings ahead 17-7.

"It hit me in the face," Moss said.

Earlier, Frazier pulled Henderson aside for a talking-to. Otherwise, Frazier generally was stoic, standing with his arms folded across the chest of his bright purple Vikings jacket with yellow piping.

His defense totaled four sacks of McNabb, who said: "A lot of times we were expecting blitzes, they didn't come."

A 65-yard kickoff return by Brandon Banks put Washington at Minnesota's 28, and Graham Gano's 40-yard field goal made it 17-10. Gano's 42-yard kick on Washington's next drive got it within 17-13. But Banks later had an apparent 77-yard punt return for a touchdown wiped out because of a blocking penalty on Perry Riley.

"It's disappointing when that happens, especially when you don't think it had anything to do with the play," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. "But a block in the back is a block in the back."

Milestone Tracker

Vikings QB Brett Favre reached another personal milestone Sunday. Find out what it was, and keep up with the rest of the players around the NFL who are on the verge of breaking records and reaching milestones. More.

Late in the first quarter, Peterson topped 1,000 yards for the season, something he's done in each of his four years in the NFL. But about five minutes into the second quarter, he was helped off, hobbling, with his helmet in hand, after getting crunched by tacklers on a 1-yard gain.

Peterson never returned. Instead it was Favre who gained the important yards at the end.

Notes: Vikings DL Ray Edwards left in the first half with a left leg injury. ... Redskins CB Carlos Rogers injured his left hamstring in the second half.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Favre, Vikings without answers after loss to Packers

MINNEAPOLIS -- Brett Favre looked ready for retirement, with six likely meaningless games now left for Minnesota in the epilogue of his 20-year career.

Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay's swarming defense sure made it clear who's in charge of this Packers-Vikings rivalry right now.

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Rodgers went 22 for 31 for 301 yards, with three of his four touchdown passes going to Greg Jennings. He beat Favre for the second time this season and sent Green Bay to a 31-3 victory over melting-down Minnesota on Sunday.

"This has got me at a loss for words," Favre began his post-game news conference. "Disappointing would be an understatement."

The Packers (7-3) emerged fresh from their bye week and kept pace in the NFC North race with the Chicago Bears (7-3), ruining any realistic hope the Vikings (3-7) had left for another shot at the Super Bowl.

"I hate to use Jim Mora's comments about playoffs, but we can't think about that," Favre said.

Instead, this 100th meeting between these border-state rivals, likely the last for the 41-year-old Favre, was marked by costly turnovers, untimely penalties and even some sideline shouting by the frustrated Vikings to cast further doubt on coach Brad Childress' future with the team.

Owner Zygi Wilf walked sternly out of a silent locker room without commenting.

"I can't really talk about that," Childress said, "because that's not my decision going forward."

The Vikings also lost starting right guard Anthony Herrera to a season-ending knee injury. Childress said he didn't think the Vikings quit, but some players wondered aloud whether everyone's effort was there. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, who chucked his helmet in disgust after a failed fourth down early in the fourth quarter, was the most outspoken.

"If you see something that you have flaws in or you're not good at, you have to stay extra," Shiancoe said. "You have to work at it, correct these mistakes that we're making."

As for Favre's future?

He insisted he's committed to the team and the rest of the season, despite failing to directly answer questions about whether he wants to finish it and vaguely saying he planned to "re-evaluate" the situation on Monday.

"I'm here, and we're in this thing together," Favre said.

Said Childress: "He's always worked his craft. I don't think there's any doubt that it will continue to work as we move forward."

Tramon Williams intercepted Favre to stop a long Vikings drive, and Rodgers took the Packers the other way for a touchdown to James Jones in the final minute of the first half to give the visitors a 17-3 lead.

Favre and close friend Darrell Bevell, the offensive coordinator, were seen on TV snapping at each other on the sideline after the interception. Favre said he and Bevell were "fine" and said he'd have made the same throw again, crediting Williams -- who's having a Pro Bowl-caliber season -- for an exceptional play.

The "Go Pack Go!" cry from the Wisconsin transplants and travelers grew louder as the game went on, with Vikings fans getting in a few "Fire Childress!" chants for good measure.

"I need to say a big thank you to our fans," Rodgers said.

Wide receiver Sidney Rice made his season debut for the Vikings after missing the first nine games following hip surgery, finishing with three catches for 56 yards. But his return hardly gave Favre and the offense a spark. Favre finished 17 for 38 for 208 yards, sailing several passes over the heads of his receivers and facing heavy pressure most of the game.

Favre, who threw a career-low seven interceptions last season, has 17 of them this year. Opponents have taken his 22 turnovers and turned them into 71 points over 10 games, and the Vikings -- who entered the weekend last in the NFL in giveaway-takeaway ratio -- watched their turnover differential fall to minus-13.

With 10 players and five starters lost for the season on injured reserve, plus a stiff second-half schedule featuring a trip to NFC-leading Atlanta next week, McCarthy and the Packers have plenty of work in front of them.

But the steam and swagger they regained in their 28-24 win over the Vikings on Oct. 24 is making them look more like the Super Bowl contender they were purported to be this summer.

"We're going to be tough to beat when we're playing that well," Rodgers said.

The Dom Capers defense has yielded just 10 points in three games since beating the Vikings the first time.

"We've got a foot on the gas, hands on the wheel and we're looking straight ahead," McCarthy said.

The Vikings pressured Rodgers early the way they needed to, the way they did last season, after failing to take him down at all in last month's loss. But he found a rhythm once the strong rush forced him from the pocket and delivered at just the right times.

Jennings had 152 yards on seven catches, giving cornerbacks Asher Allen and rookie Chris Cook a rough time. Cook also got beat for a 39-yard reception by Jones on third-and-10 from midfield before Green Bay's first touchdown.

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Safety Husain Abdullah had trouble, too, dropping a must-have interception at the goal line on that same drive and then letting Jennings get in front of him on the next play for an 11-yard touchdown catch after Rodgers ran left to flee the rush to make it 10-3.

"I don't know how good we are. The stars are the limit to how good we can be," Jennings said. "It's all about what we're willing to put forth."

Notes: The Packers lost both backup safeties to injury, Anthony Smith (ankle) and Atari Bigby (hamstring). ... Vikings DT Kevin Williams had his name misspelled on the back of his jersey: W-I-L-L-A-I-M-S. ... McCarthy improved to 7-3 against Childress. The Packers now lead the series 51-48-1. ... The Vikings, who entered the game tied for 26th in red-zone touchdowns, have reached the end zone only 12 times in 29 possessions inside the 20-yard line this season.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

View the original article here

Will Favre play? 'Wouldn't put anything past me,' QB says

The signs of progress are small but noticeable for Brett Favre.

Favre missed his second consecutive day of practice Thursday for the Minnesota Vikings, but he walked around the facility without the oversized boot that had been protecting an injury that is putting his NFL-record 291 consecutive-starts streak in jeopardy.

The 41-year-old quarterback limped through the locker room with a heavy wrap on his ankle, which was injured during Sunday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Asked if he thought he could play this weekend against the New England Patriots, Favre said: "I wouldn't put anything past me, to be honest with you."

One day earlier, the quarterback had lobbied to start.

Favre has a stress fracture in his left ankle as well as an avulsion fracture -- in which a bone fragment is torn away from the bone at the tendon or ligament -- in his left heel. He consulted with the doctors who performed surgery on his ankle this summer, to get him ready for a 20th NFL season, and was told that the injury wouldn't worsen by playing on it.

"He's been a little better every day," Vikings coach Brad Childress said Thursday. "Whether it's good enough to play in an NFL football game remains to be seen. Just have to take it a day at a time."

Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said he would be surprised if Favre doesn't start.

"Surprising would probably be a good word," Bevell said during his weekly news conference. "He's never not been out there, so it would probably be a surprise.

"I was there (in Green Bay), and he broke the thumb. Immediately, the doctor said, 'Hey, we've got to pin it, and you're going to be out six to eight weeks.' In his mind, he said, 'Well, wait a minute, I just played really well.' We didn't know it was broken. He said, 'I'm going to give it a shot.' He played with that as well. It would surprise me if he wasn't able to be out there."

Favre's current injury presents a different set of problems, specifically with his mobility in the pocket.

"The thing that's kept (Favre) playing for so long is his ability, similar to Tom Brady, being able to have that innate feel in the pocket," Bevell said. "He feels the pressure, he can slide, he can step up. It doesn't have to be huge movements of escaping the pocket, it's just being able to have that feel and still be able to stick your foot in the ground and to step up and step to the side and have that type of mobility."

Favre was still in pain as he hobbled around Thursday -- he was looking for a size 15 shoe for his left foot; he normally wears a 14 -- but that's nothing new for the NFL's version of Iron Man. Favre has played in 315 consecutive games, including playoffs, by far the longest streak in league history.

"That's legendary, honestly," Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said. "Let's be real: 291 games straight. First thing that comes to my mind is, of course, I'm a little jealous. That's something that wows me as well.

"I'm pretty sure it's important to him. But I know that the team's welfare is more important to him. I'm pretty sure he'll make the best decision for the team."

Friday appears to be a big day for Favre's chances to play Sunday against the Patriots. He said Wednesday he hoped to get out on the practice field at least on a limited basis by Friday. The team will issue the final injury report of the week for him Friday afternoon, declaring him out, doubtful or probable to play.

"It's going to take the sky to fall for him not to go out there," Shiancoe said.

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If Favre cannot play, Tarvaris Jackson would step in for his first start since a divisional playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at the end of the 2008 season.

It has been a trying season for Favre. He already has thrown more interceptions (10) than he did all of last season (7) and has a 68.0 passer rating, which ranks 30th in the league -- above only Arizona's Derek Anderson and Carolina's Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen.

Off the field, Favre is the subject of an NFL investigation into allegations that he sent inappropriate messages to a New York Jets employee when both worked for the team in 2008. Favre has spoken to league officials about the matter, but the woman who allegedly received the messages has not.

Jenn Sterger's manager, Phil Reese, said Thursday that she hasn't met with league investigators. Reese didn't say if any meetings with the league are planned but that "she is strongly considering it and is leaning towards it."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Favre unsure of status after re-injuring ankle vs. Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Vikings quarterback Brett Favre struggled to walk through the locker room and to and from his postgame news conference after re-injuring his surgically repaired left ankle in Sunday’s 28-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He said he knows by the time he gets off the plane back in Minneapolis, it would be “pretty bad.”

As for his playing status next week against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Favre said, “Who knows? I hope I do. If I can play but not be effective, then it’s not worth playing. I hope I use good judgment. So, we’ll see. I’m not a spring chicken any more. I don’t heal as quickly.”

He went on.

“I know the heart’s in the right place, though,” he said.

Favre said he injured his ankle while being hit on a third-quarter interception by Packers’ linebacker A.J. Hawk –- one of three interceptions. Favre did not wear any type of walking boot or other support after the game. However, he could not put any pressure on his left ankle as he tried to walk down steps from a stage following his news conference.

The 41-year-old quarterback lit up his former team in two games last season, including a four-touchdown performance at Lambeau Field.

Favre wasn't nearly as effective on Sunday night, though his fourth-quarter pass to Percy Harvin nearly capped a dramatic comeback. The play, originally ruled a touchdown, was overturned after an official review.

In addition to his ankle issue, Favre has dealt with tendinitis in his right elbow this season. Favre has started in 291 consecutive games, an NFL record for quarterbacks.

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Favre says he left voicemails, not photos, with ex-Jets employee

NEW YORK -- Brett Favre has admitted leaving voicemails for the former New York Jets employee to whom a website says he also sent lewd photos.

NFL Network and Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported Sunday that Favre told league investigators he left phone messages for Jenn Sterger, who worked for the Jets in 2008 when Favre was their quarterback.

Glazer didn't say who provided the information.

Glazer also reported that Favre, who now plays for the Minnesota Vikings, denied sending Sterger inappropriate photos.

The NFL is investigating a Deadspin report earlier this month that Favre sent the racy photos to Sterger two years ago. Sterger, now an on-air personality for Versus, hasn't cooperated with the league yet, but her manager, Phil Reese, told The Associated Press on Sunday that could happen quickly.

"She is strongly considering it, leaning toward it," Reese said.

Asked if Favre admitted leaving the voicemails for Sterger, but denied sending any photos, Reese added:

"We're currently in the fact-gathering stage; all I'm doing is dealing with facts. Unfortunately the person in the pictures didn't also hold up their driver's license, so I'm not going to speculate as far as identity. But I'm working with people to diligently get all the facts."

Reese also has said that Sterger hasn't had any discussions with Favre's representatives about a possible financial settlement stemming from the allegations.

Favre and the Vikings play Sunday night at Green Bay.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Goodell says NFL looking at 'workplace conduct' in Favre probe

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told fans in an NFL.com chat that "workplace conduct" is the main focus of the league's investigation into allegations of improper behavior by Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre.

Goodell said Thursday that the Favre situation is being treated seriously while facts in the case are being gathered. The commissioner's response came after one participant in the session argued that players haven't been given "fair warning in the area of workplace conduct with women around."

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"Each of these cases are looked at individually, and we have to be thorough and fair," Goodell said. "We also are working hard on the development of our workplace conduct training program for all teams. We are working with experts in the field and expect to roll it out to our teams by the end of the season.

Brett Favre declined Wednesday to discuss allegations that he sent suggestive messages and lewd photos to a female New York Jets employee in 2008, when the quarterback played for the team.

"That's a league issue that I just have to leave at that," said Favre, who met with NFL vice president for security Milt Ahlerich on Tuesday in Minnesota.

Goodell also addressed numerous questions Thursday about player safety, a hot topic after the league's recent crackdown on players who make dangerous hits on opponents.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Favre limited by sore throwing elbow at Vikings practice

Quarterback Brett Favre returned to practice for the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, one day after sitting out to rest his sore right elbow.

Woodson: Vikings should bench Favre "If Favre is playing poorly and not giving the team a chance to win, then why play him? Even if it is Favre. Looking at (Tarvaris) Jackson, if he plays, he's 100 percent healthy and is making more plays with his feet."
More ...

Favre has been bothered by tendinitis in his throwing elbow and said earlier this week that he would consider sitting out a game or two to rest it if the condition worsens. Favre has started an NFL-record 289 consecutive regular-season games.

"All the times that I've been with him, he's never missed one (start)," said Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who was Favre's quarterbacks coach with the Green Bay Packers. "It's hard to imagine, but he wants to do what's best for the team. We want to do what's best for the team. Could it happen? Yeah, it could happen, but ... it's hard to see."

Bevell said a decision on Favre's status for Sunday's meeting with the Dallas Cowboys "could go up to game time." But if Favre does play, his arm trouble won't affect Bevell's play-calling.

"If a guy's going to play, you've got to play it the way that you're going to play it. You're not going to be able to hide the quarterback," Bevell said. "If he's got to make the throws, he's got to make the throws. If he can't make them, then you've got to put someone else in there who's going to make them.

Favre's injury might mean more carries for the Vikings' running backs -- which is just fine with Adrian Peterson.

"If that's the approach we take, then I'm all in for it," said Peterson, who has 480 rushing yards in four games this season. "I'll be ready to do my part. That's the mindset we come into every game, making sure we establish the run game."

Center John Sullivan also returned to practice for Minnesota after missing Wednesday with a calf injury. Sullivan didn't play against the New York Jets on Monday night.

Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, safeties Madieu Williams and Jamarca Sanford, defensive lineman Brian Robison and cornerback Chris Cook also were limited in practice Thursday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Commissioner Goodell 'just looking for facts' in Favre case

CHICAGO -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday there isn't a timetable for wrapping up an investigation of an Internet report that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sent racy text messages and lewd photos to a former New York Jets game hostess two years ago.

"We're just looking for facts now," Goodell said at the NFL Fall League Meeting. "I am going to deal with it as we get the facts."

Goodell said he didn't have plans to meet with Favre, "but if it is something that would help us get to a conclusion and it is warranted, I will do so."

The investigation, announced last week, centers on a report by the sports website Deadspin that Favre, then with the Jets, sent the photos and messages to Jenn Sterger in 2008.

Sterger's manager, Phil Reese, declined to say if his client has talked with the NFL.

"This is something that allegedly happened two years ago," Reese said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "We don't want a quick resolution, but the proper resolution."

Favre could be fined or suspended under the NFL's personal-conduct policy.

"One of the reasons we instituted the personal-conduct policy ... to make everyone understand their responsibilities," Goodell said. "We're not going down a line of speculation and hypothetical situations."

Favre hasn't responded to questions about the Deadspin report.

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Deadspin also reported that Favre pursued two female massage therapists who worked part-time for the Jets. The website didn't identify the women, but the Jets have said they gave contact information about them to the league.

Two high-profile quarterbacks recently were penalized for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.

Former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick returned to the league in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles after missing two seasons for his role in a dogfighting ring. He served an 18-month sentence in prison.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games in April after he was accused of, but not charged with, sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at a bar in a Georgia college town. Goodell shortened that ban to four games just before the season, and Roethlisberger will return to the field for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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