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Sunday Scoops: Is Favre guilty of insider trading?
Several sources have told FOX Sports that Favre earlier this year phoned the Detroit Lions prior to their battle versus Favre's old team, the Green Bay Packers, and gave them a rundown of the nuances of what Green Bay does on offense. According to the sources, Favre actually spent over an hour on the phone with Lions coaches, who were connected with Favre by then-team president Matt Millen.
While the Lions still lost and the Packers and Favre's replacement Aaron Rodgers played well, it's still baffling that the Packers legend would spend such a significant chunk of time giving tips to an opponent of his long-time franchise.
Other teams the Packers have played had also heard about the Favre coaching clinic with Detroit. In addition, there have been rumors that Favre has spoken to other teams giving them information, but most of those teams insist they have not heard from the famed gunslinger.
However, another team says it has had casual talks in the past with Favre and talked about some of what Green Bay does, but it was nowhere near the details he let loose to the Lions.
Still, Favre has the right to do whatever he pleases. If he wants to help other teams there is nothing in league rules that prevents him from doing so.
L.J.'s K.C. T.O.
Larry Johnson was put in the NFL's version of a timeout this week when he was declared inactive for violating team rules. This punishment, however, has been a long-time brewing.
According to several sources, Johnson has been late for several things, including the plane on their trip to the Panthers before their Week 5 game. The team had to hold the team plane for the tardy Johnson. Some wanted to leave him, but the decision was made to wait.
NFL Week 17
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Week 17 action
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Vikings 20, Giants 19 -- Recap | Box
Panthers 33, Saints 31 -- Recap | Box
Packers 31, Lions 21 -- Recap | Box
Falcons 31, Rams 27 -- Recap | Box
Texans 31, Bears 24 -- Recap | Box
Patriots 13, Bills 0 -- Recap | Box
Colts 23, Titans 0 -- Recap | Box
Steelers 31, Browns 0 -- Recap | Box
Raiders 31, Bucs 24 -- Recap | Box
Bengals 16, Chiefs 6 -- Recap | Box
Eagles 44, Cowboys 6 -- Recap | Box
Dolphins 24, Jets 17 -- Recap | Box
49ers 27, Redskins 24 -- Recap | Box
Ravens 27, Jaguars 7 -- Recap | Box
Cardinals 34, 'Hawks 24 -- Recap | Box
Chargers 52, Broncos 21 -- Recap | Box
Analysis
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Several weeks prior, Johnson was told to come out of a game for a personnel package that included rookie Jamaal Charles. Johnson refused. He was told again, but again he refused to leave the game and insisted that if the team put Charles on the field they would get a penalty for 12 men on the field.
After that incident he was given a talking to by Chiefs brass, but obviously he has not heeded the warnings.
The team shopped Johnson prior to last week's trading deadline but found no takers. He's in need of a strong reputation overhaul but, most of all, needs to start by winning over the men he plays alongside in that Chiefs locker room.
Head coach Herm Edwards always preaches respecting the NFL shield. Johnson's off-field incident a week ago certainly didn't help his cause.
Broncos' brotherly love
The Denver Broncos went a little Steve Smith this week. An interesting pitfall behind closed doors has led to the suspension of one of their defensive lineman, Josh Shaw. According to Denver sources, Shaw was getting worn out in practice this week by coaches for messing up, and was screamed at repeatedly. Finally he barked, "I'm trying" or something along those lines in a fairly high-pitched tone. Uh oh, bad move in front of a locker room of football players.
His teammates then took his phrase and, mocking his pitch, repeated it over and over and over and ... you get the point. Later in the meeting room Shaw finally had enough and informed his teammates if anyone belted out the phrase once more he'd had it. Fellow defensive lineman Kenny Peterson took the bait, mocked "I'm trying" once again. Shaw, just as promised, popped his teammate, sources said.
Head coach Mike Shanahan heard about the player-on-player action, walked into the room and suspended Shaw. Sources say he originally wanted to hit him with a four-game suspension, but the NFL Players Association will have something to say about such a harsh punishment.
Raiders' Davis does it right
With all of the bashing of Al Davis he should be given a great deal of credit this week for putting together a tremendous tribute to Raiders great Gene Upshaw, who suddenly and shockingly died earlier this year with pancreatic cancer.
Davis had over 120 former Raiders flown into Oakland Saturday night for a tribute to the late NFLPA Executive Director. According to those present, Davis actually handled much of the master of ceremonies duties and was phenomenal. He invited just about everyone who has ever played with Upshaw, and at each table was a microphone where players were asked to stand and give a great Upshaw memory.
John Madden, the legendary coach and broadcaster, talked about coming into the league together with Upshaw and those present said his speech was "unbelievable." Upshaw was drafted in 1967 and Madden joined the Raiders staff the same year.
While the Raiders have come under strong fire for the soap operas that have their coaching situation, kudos for Davis for opening his wallet, pocketbook and checkbook to do Saturday night's tribute with class.
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