In a three-month period starting in late June, Rodney Harrison, the newly retired safety, described Brett Favre, the recently unretired quarterback, in terms ranging from selfish to destructive, leading us to believe Rodney may have something against Favre.
Harrison left the New England Patriots after last season and joined NBC's "Football Night in America," a program one can determine from the title is as impressed with itself as Harrison contends Favre is with himself. And we learn Harrison is with himself.
Not that egotism is a rare commodity among either athletes or entertainers.
Favre, with his departures and returns definitely has irritated people associated with the NFL, if only those in a peripheral capacity, such as journalists, fans or analysts on "Football Night in America."
But for all his faults, real or imagined, Favre was not suspended for violation of the league's drug policy, as happened two seasons ago to Harrison.
One is always suspicious when former jocks get into television or radio and start popping off. Stepping away from fields and courts, they often join the ranks of the anonymous, a difficult transition after years of fame or infamy. So they start telling it, not so much like it is but how it can be to get them a maximum of recognition.
No one is debating Harrison's skills or determination. In 15 seasons, the first nine with San Diego, he became the only player in history to total at least 30 sacks and 30 interceptions, and twice was named All-Pro. But once the career ends, what does he do to get noticed? Tear in to Brett Favre.
On June 24 he went on "The Dan Patrick Show" to say Favre was "pretty selfish.'' Now there's a revelation. Then Aug. 19, Harrison, on another talk show, "Mully & Hanley,'' implied Favre's vacillation over signing with the Vikings had tarnished Brett's legacy.
Oh yes, Harrison also explained that day, "I'm a guy that tries to avoid the spotlight and not put a lot of attention on myself.'' So then why doesn't he just stop babbling?
In the beginning of September, after Favre indeed had joined Minnesota, Harrison, on Sirius/XM, offered, "I don't think personally Brett is the answer. I think that move kind of sabotaged that locker room . . . He doesn't even come in and earn the position. He just comes in and takes over.''
Duh. That's why Minnesota, which had done more than whisper in Brett's ear, persuaded him to join the team, so he could take over. He's thrown for a zillion yards. He's been in two Super Bowls.
You think Kobe Bryant has to earn his way? Albert Pujols? David Letterman? Oprah Winfrey? Those people don't need tryouts. Neither does Brett Favre.
But a couple of days ago, Favre, and for this he should be held responsible, said the last few weeks of 2008, with the New York Jets, he played with a bicep injury the Jets concealed, never making disclosure on the weekly injury report.
The Jets' general manger Mike Tannenbaum and former coach Eric Mangini were fined a total of $125,000 for withholding details, so Patrick, who knew where to go, had another bout with Harrison, who knew what to say.
"Why bring all this stuff up now?'' wondered Harrison, which would be a legitimate question if Favre hadn't been persuaded to discuss an injury, which despite rest and treatment is still an issue.
Had it last year. Has it this year. But with two different teams.
"Everywhere he goes he craps on everybody,'' Harrison told Patrick, about Favre. "He goes to Green Bay, and he leaves them with a bunch of noise.''
This from a man who is making enough noise to blot out the sound of a 747 taking off. A bunch of noise? A few interceptions would be more accurate, but without Favre two years ago the Packers don't have the best record in the NFL and go into overtime in the NFC championship game before losing to the New York Giants.
"He goes to the Jets,'' Harrison said of Favre in 2008, "they give him a bunch of money . . . he plays bad, and he craps on them.'' Another misstated generalization. At one time the Jets had the best record in the league before slipping to 9-7. But the year before, without Favre, the Jets were 4-12.
Harrison is angry Favre was named Vikings captain after missing training camp, assuming head coach Brad Childress, the man who wanted Favre, made the call instead of having the players vote.
Enough already. Those who can, play; those who can't say a lot of stupid things about those who can. Seems like jealousy from a guy who wishes he still were in uniform.
As a reporter since 1960, Art Spander is a living treasure of sports history. A recipient of the Dick McCann Memorial Award -- given for his long and distinguished career covering professional football -- he has earned himself a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the PGA of America for 2009.
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