Favre Faxes Reinstatement Letter

As we predicted earlier, the day of reckoning in the Brett Favre saga is finally here, and this afternoon the final act began.

According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen (who has been a reliable source on the issue so far), Favre has faxed through the signed letter requesting reinstatement to the NFL as an active player, thus backing Packers GM Ted Thompson into a corner. The team must now decide whether to welcome the Quarterback back to camp, or to trade him.

Also today, Commisioner Roger Goodell put his foot down, and has informed the Packers and Favre that he will not act yet - but that the team has 24hrs to find a solution before he wades into the fracas. It is the first significant deadline handed down by the league, and emphasises the concern that Goodell feels regarding the legacy of one of the greatest players of all time.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, the heir to Favre's throne in Wisconsin, characteristically described himself as "...not as affected as you guys think I am or should be" by events today. Packers coach Mike McCarthy informed the press that any resolution would be put to Favre before it is made public.

At this point, it's hard to see what the Packers can do, short of trading Favre to the Vikings in the hope of at least recouping some compensation, rather than being forced to release him by the league, and letting the Vikings get him for nothing.

We'll be on this one tommorow, it should be a busy - and momentous - day.

Eagles DE hospitalised with Heat Exhaustion

In an event that harks back to the all too recent deaths of Offensive Linemen Korey Stringer and Thomas Herrion during pre-season, Eagles Defensive End Chris Clemons was taken to hospital suffering from heat exhaustion following a collapse on the field during Training Camp.

Clemons was reportedly concious through the whole incident, and has been released from Hospital. Again, it highlights that linemen are very succeptable to heatsroke and similiar conditions during Training Camp. Stringer, a former first round pick, died in 2000 during a Training camp session, whilst 49er Herrion collapsed following a preseason game in Denver in 2005.

Day of reckoning upon us?

Well, in Saturday's interview with Chris Mortensen of ESPN, Brett Favre gave Tuesday as a 'soft' deadline for the Packers to resolve the impassé that exists between the two sides.

As of 1pm EST, there have been no updates.

It's unlikely that Favre will be in Camp at any point today or tommorow, despite his posturing to the contrary. On the other hand, it would be very unwise for the team to try and stall the situation any longer, as this could prompt Favre to file his reinstatement papers, and then in turn forcing the Packers to either let him return, or fine him for missing camp - something that would be a PR disaster.

We'd expect a statement from one side or the other before tommorow though, as it is unlikely that without progress on a trade, Favre will let the team rest on it's laurels.

Lynch gets away without suspension

Buffalo Bills Running Back Marshawn Lynch, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour hit and run charge a few weeks back, has learned today that commisioner Roger Goodell will not sanction further punishment for the arrest.

"I think the facts are clear on the case at this point in time, and I don't plan any discipline,"

- Commisioner Roger Goodell

Obviously Lynch will face extra scrutiny of his future conduct, but the relief in Rochester will be palpable as the Bills now know that Lynch, the team's undisputed starter, will be available for all of the 2008 season.

Of course, when we say 'all', there is still the question of whether the Canadian authorities will allow Lynch to cross the border for the team's regular season matchup with Miami in December.