It’s almost as if Mark Murphy and the powers that be at Lambeau Field would want you to get the false idea that it is their righteously-disgruntled first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback who is at fault for this mess; that Aaron Rodgers is in the wrong.
It’s like they can’t help themselves, getting in their little shots and playing their little passive-aggressive games and providing fodder and fuel at a time when they should be showing grace and class, behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
Not possible, it seems. It’s as if these suits whose ham-handed actions and tactless approach to the drafting of Jordan Love – that initiated this inevitable ugly exit by Rodgers – think they are some kind of victim.
Shouldn’t have to say it, but I guess I do: Keep his name out your mouth.
What is the point of writing Q&A posts that aim to point to Rodgers as the villain who’s seeking to divide the fanbase, as happened a few weeks ago? Is now the time to be jonesing to get your name into headlines? Really? And then last week, we get the coup de grace, the lowest blow of all.
They watched as he spent three years toiling under Favre to quickly emerge as a superstar himself when given the chance; all know he can be stubborn and mercurial and difficult and demanding, and this is how they persist.
He hasn’t named names, or called names – as I reported months ago his venom is most towards Murphy and his right-hand man Russ Ball – but has intimated about the culture and philosophies in place, and the need to recognize the people who make things go there.
As to those who believe Murphy is playing 3D chess here, trying to alienate Rodgers to retire so the Packers can keep all of their money and protect their cap, please, stop it.
Don’t let the hyperbole about Love completing passes against air at OTAs fool you into thinking this regime has any intention of letting him see the field this year; if they thought the kid was anywhere close to being ready, they’d have dealt Rodgers before the draft, or certainly by now.
If you think Murphy is going to be able to cajole or coerce Rodgers to retire for good, you are giving him entirely too much credit.
It’s all fun and games at OTAs, and it’s easy to get caught up in the sound of your own voice when you are still months away from being exposed in the standings each week.
And his silence – and absence – speaks volumes, and already has the Packers brass stammering and looking like their own worst enemies.