On October 19, 2008, a report surfaced that former Green Bay Packers and current New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre may have provided Packers rivals the Detroit Lions with information about the Packers' offensive tendencies and patterns before the Packers-Lions game on September 14, 2008.FOX Sports: Is Favre guilty of insider Trading
Background
According to the report, Favre spent an hour on the phone with Lions coaches preparing them for their game against the Packers. The Packers won the game 48 to 25. Although it is not illegal for players to divulge information about former teams to opponents, it is considered poor sportsmanship to volunteer sensitive information that would create an unfair advantage. Former teammate Charles Woodson called the action by Favre "sabotage."
When asked to confirm the accuracy of the report, the Lions did not deny the story, while Brett Favre did. On October 22, 2008, Favre denied he gave any insider information stating, "I didn't give him any game-planning. I haven't been in that offense in over a year. I don't know what else to tell you. It was pretty simple."New York Times: No denials from Lions coaches about Favre Report ESPN.com: Favre says he didn't give Millen, Lions Information
Brett Favre Sabotage Reactions
"He contacted them? I don't respect that. If they call him and he gives them information, that's one thing. But to seek a team out and to feel like you're trying to sabotage this team, I don't respect that. I know he's been the greatest player around here for a long time, but there's no honor in that." -- Green Bay Packer Charles WoodsonHartford Courant: NFL Sidelines
- "I would say it's disappointing. I really have no comment on that stuff." -- Mike McCarthy, Packers head coachJS Online: Players sound off on Reports of Favre's Calls
- "Obviously he says he wasn't bitter about what happened, but obviously there is a little bit of resentment there." -- WoodsonJS Online: Players sound off on Reports of Favre's Calls
- ""Obviously it didn't work out too well for 'em. We were still able to go out there and move the ball and win the game." -- Packers center Scott WellsJS Online: Players sound off on Reports of Favre's Calls
Brett Favre Sabotage Packers News
ESPN Video: Favre confirms contact with Millen (Time 1:32)
Detroit Free Press: Did Brett Favre share Pack's secrets with the Lions? (October 20, 2008)
Google News: Brett Favre Sabotage Packers
JS Online: Players sound off on reports of Favre's calls (October 19, 2008)
Wisconsin State Journal: Packers: Report says Favre gave Lions info on Packers (October 20, 2008)
Courant.com: NFL Sidelines (October 20, 2008)
NJ.com: Report: Favre dished on Packers' offense to former division rival (October 19, 2008)
The FanHouse: Bitter Brett Favre Reportedly Called the Lions (October 19, 2008)
SI: Brett Favre's alleged betrayal against Packers not against rules (October 20, 2008)
FOX Sports: Favre denies info leak; ex-teammate takes jab (October 20, 2008)
