Retire in peace
I'm probably gonna get in trouble for this one...
So you knew the day that Brett Favre decided to retire was coming (sooner or later). And you also knew that the media would jump all over it when he did.
We heard about it this morning at the Gazette with about an hour and a half to go before the paper had to be finished, and we ripped up the front page to get it in.
The nightly newscasts, of course, had their tributes. And they were as dramatic as you knew they'd be.
The taglines and were predictable: "End of an Era" on WKOW (Channel 27). "Tears in Titletown" on WISC (Channel 3). The highlight reels hit all the best moments. It's huge news for all NFL fans in Wisconsin and across the country and I recognize that for sure.
But I felt like I was watching his obituary. Everyone who was interviewed talked about Brett only in the past tense. Another woman said as soon as she started hearing the buzz, she at first thought Favre had been in a car accident or something this morning.
Even the meteorologists managed to reference No. 4 in their forecasts. And I'm pretty sure the music that Channel 27 played at the top of its newscast is the same tune they play when an ex-president dies.
Easy for me to say all this, I know. I'm not a huge football fan, and worse, I grew up in Viking territory. But I've got respect for Brett Favre. He did good things in Wisconsin and brought a lot of people together. So, maybe it's too soon to be critical of the coverage. But we will survive.
Brett Favre is retiring, yes. But he's not dead. Now, more than anything, let's just hope he and Deanna stay involved in Wisconsin. He might not be playing anymore, but he still has the ability to rally all kinds of people, and that's a good thing.
Mar 7, 2008 at 4:07 p.m.
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I should have let the misimpression continue: Now I'll no longer get all that respect heaped upon me by Haeight on the record shattering smoking blog.
Mar 7, 2008 at 3:59 p.m.
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bwheelock, I didn't take it at as a criticism.
I do recall complimenting a few stories -and I did critize one.
Favre is not retiring. To avoid a big rucus with the Packers, he's letting the new quarterback get established before he, Favre, signs with the Bears.
Mar 7, 2008 at 10:41 a.m.
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I know we're digressing a bit from the topic of Adam's post...
"gazettefan"--I do not remember the exact situation, but you seemed to know a lot about an article. It was a compliment, not a criticism. I should have made that clear in my first comment.
So, did you hear Brett Favre retired?
Mar 7, 2008 at 6:30 a.m.
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I choose my username on a whim.
I'm not a reporter. I don't know why my posts would indicate to anyone that I am.
Mar 6, 2008 at 11:39 p.m.
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This dialogue is pretty funny to me because a couple months ago someone asked me which reporter "gazettefan" was. Based on the user's comments, they thought the person had to be a reporter.
Mar 6, 2008 at 10:05 p.m.
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No problem, gazettefan. I just figured I'd get that out there so people don't jump to any conclusions.
Mar 6, 2008 at 3:40 p.m.
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I stand corrected.
I was just trying to be funny. I don't always succeed.
Mar 6, 2008 at 3:36 p.m.
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Point of clarification:
Reporters typically do not comment on the Web site. They've done it once or twice to clarify something, but otherwise they don't. On this particular blog, and this one only, we decided it would be OK to comment because we want this to be a dialogue between each other and between those who read the blog. We want it to be a two-way street.
As for our usernames, we use ONLY our own usernames. Each of the Gazette staff was given a username, and it's our first initial and last name ("abergstrom," in my case). Those are the only names we ever use, and that will make it easy to identify us. To do otherwise would be unethical, and it would go against my point of having a dialogue between the bloggers and the readers.
Mar 6, 2008 at 3:09 p.m.
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I thought reporters have been blogging on this site with undercover usernames.
Mar 5, 2008 at 6:15 p.m.
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I can't believe in this day and age with all the problems of war that this state of Wisconsin is so worried about Brett Favre Retiring,Do you think he is worried about the people of Wisconsin and what the State of the Green Bay Packers will be without him? I dont think so. Just move on Wisconsin find a new Hero in Aaron Rodgers and gaet over it. I cant wait for the Govenor to Declare Brett Favre Day, Just another Hallmark Holiday
Mar 5, 2008 at 4:03 p.m.
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Actually, I think reporters ARE allowed to comment. So long as they're serious about it. And I know you're very serious about the weeping...
Mar 5, 2008 at 3:25 p.m.
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I am a packer fan as well and I took at as a tribute to all Bret was and is. It never occured to me something may have happened to him. We all knew this day would come and it would be selfish not to allow it. He deserves his own life now. I too hope and believe he will continue with all the "good" things he does as it is a part of him.
Mar 5, 2008 at 2:09 p.m.
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There is weeping and gnashing of teeth in our household.
Whoops, sorry, I don't think other reporters are allowed to comment on the young persons' blog.
Mar 5, 2008 at 11:14 a.m.
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We've had a wonderful 17 years with Brett in GB. He has definately earned his retirement. Even though it will be hard to watch the Pack play without him; we wish him all the best. Wisconsin loves you Brett! Good Luck.
Mar 5, 2008 at 8:54 a.m.
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I agree with you 100%, Adam. I AM a Packer fan and enjoyed the talent of Brett but now just let him be! His family deserves some quiet time. Brett has always been modest and he will remain that way and want to lead a life out of the lime-light!
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