@4 Favre posted:Well yeah, a lot of lesbians in softball.
Alex Smith says the way the #Packers have treated Aaron Rodgers is “inexcusable.”
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) May 26, 2021
Says what they’ve done is not the way you run a business or treat people.
When KC drafted Mahomes, Smith says he was in the loop the entire time during the draft process.pic.twitter.com/sqjpdEepBq
@Henry posted:Just to clear this up, none of this entire conversation for me is about defending Aaron Rodgers as an individual, any pettiness or hypocrisy. My repeated statements about Rodgers getting a phone call aren't about poor Aaron, it's about that's what you do in a situation with an asset like Aaron Rodgers.
This is a cold, hard cynical discussion of Aaron Rodgers the asset and the condemnation of the asset handlers. That's it.
Again, just matter of factly clearing this up. I don't want people to think I don't see this in anything but a cynical light stripped down to the most basic ABCs of business. No sarcasm, 100% serious. When I say things like this is a "people business" it doesn't mean the same thing Rodgers said in the interview, be it hypocritical or not. People = assets. Assets that fuel your business. So the people running the show need to put their sociopath hat on and deal with all the bullshit to get the ultimate result. There's no player attachment as I'm the first to tell you hero worship is for suckers. Rodgers may worry about his reputation, I don't. I don't care.
Rodgers is an asset with the most potential to help this team achieve the ultimate goal of the NFL business, a championship. One of the major reasons people watch professional sports in this day and age.
Yes, in pro sports, people are assets that require a modicum of people handling. But people are people as well, and no matter how clinically we frame the situation, that's the factor that creates the most mess. If we filter out Rodgers' pettiness and hypocrisy, or anyone else's for that matter, it's easier to follow a clear cut path using the model of "it's just a business." In theory, that's how best to efficiently run an operation.
But I can't see how to navigate this situation without accounting for the person that is Aaron Rodgers. The guy that is smart enough to play the long game in exacting payback, but sensitive enough that he hates someone pointing out his height. His entire career has been fueled by proving people wrong.
If his grievance has nothing to do with $$$, then it has everything to do with perceived disrespect, perceived selling him short, perceived sleight relative to his counterparts and in media. How do you prove to the average person you're not disrespecting them, let alone someone with such a massive ego? Or from his standpoint, how do you force someone to give you what you feel you deserve if it's clear they are incapable? I just don't know how the human element of this can be discarded.
@Boris posted:Alex Smith says the way the #Packers have treated Aaron Rodgers is “inexcusable.”
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) May 26, 2021
Says what they’ve done is not the way you run a business or treat people.
When KC drafted Mahomes, Smith says he was in the loop the entire time during the draft process.pic.twitter.com/sqjpdEepBq
What? Another individual who is on the inside of the business says this is not how you do things , but so many here who are on the outside of the business say "shut up and play"??? The Dunning-Kruger Effect at it's finest.
It's a beautiful mystery surrounded by philosophy.
@artis posted:Yes, in pro sports, people are assets that require a modicum of people handling. But people are people as well, and no matter how clinically we frame the situation, that's the factor that creates the most mess. If we filter out Rodgers' pettiness and hypocrisy, or anyone else's for that matter, it's easier to follow a clear cut path using the model of "it's just a business." In theory, that's how best to efficiently run an operation.
But I can't see how to navigate this situation without accounting for the person that is Aaron Rodgers. The guy that is smart enough to play the long game in exacting payback, but sensitive enough that he hates someone pointing out his height. His entire career has been fueled by proving people wrong.
If his grievance has nothing to do with $$$, then it has everything to do with perceived disrespect, perceived selling him short, perceived sleight relative to his counterparts and in media. How do you prove to the average person you're not disrespecting them, let alone someone with such a massive ego? Or from his standpoint, how do you force someone to give you what you feel you deserve if it's clear they are incapable? I just don't know how the human element of this can be discarded.
Considering the multiple clips including the the coup de gracey from Alex Smith, nothing is perceived.
Also, my explanation is my approach to this specific conversation in this thread. Do not try to connect it to Rodgers actions outside the clinical nature I'm viewing this whole clusterfuck from. I don't care what got the situation to this point, I care that it's a situation at all. Particularly when it keeps being reiterated from all corners about how it shouldn't have happened in the first place.
I don't see a resolution so Rodgers actions moving forward are moot IMO. Any possible fallout is already in play. My ongoing concern is this FO is still here and running the show, which doesn't bode well for the future.
@Boris posted:Alex Smith says the way the #Packers have treated Aaron Rodgers is “inexcusable.”
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) May 26, 2021
Says what they’ve done is not the way you run a business or treat people.
When KC drafted Mahomes, Smith says he was in the loop the entire time during the draft process.pic.twitter.com/sqjpdEepBq
But Rodgers literally just said this isn't about the draft pick.
Obviously, Gunt and Murphy don't feel they need to treat the franchise HOF QB any different than any other player.
They know they fucked up, and are trying to win the PR war by painting 12 as an entitled diva rather than act like fucking men, and owning their shit.
Were this any other franchise, the owner would have sent them both packing by now.
@Chongo posted:People liked to assume a lot about Ted because he was kind of dry, and seemed robotic.
I have it from multiple people who knew Ted, he was BELOVED by players and staff alike because he was a huge people person. He was the kind of guy who'd just pick up the phone in the off-season and call a player to check-in, ask about the family, not even talk about football.
That may seem like a small thing, but that's leadership.
I don't care how great of roster-builder you are, if you can't manage that small thing, then you're not fit to be an NFL GM.
Ted was the one that carried on the Bob Harlan "people first" culture...obviously, that chapter was missing from Murphy's management textbook.
So you have multiple people who told you what TT did. But do have any people telling you that MM or Gute never have called a player to see what is going on in their life outside of football? I doubt it. Just because there is dissention with 1 prima donna player it is just assumed all players are treated the same. That is just rong!!
JFC
Back in the day, the FO gave Brent and Bus Cook a heads up about drafting Rodgers and they pouted and acted like insufferable pricks for almost 3 years.
Do we really think Rodgers wouldn’t have been pissed off had they given him a heads up? I doubt it.
He’s pissed because of drafting Love, not having more input, and what is likely a number of other slights we aren’t even aware of. He wants to be coddled and adored like Brett was (until the end) and I think the Packers learned their lesson given that debacle and right or wrong they overcompensated. That didn’t work either and now the relationship is in shambles.
I’m on record stating that Murphy and Ball are stooges and Gute provably isn’t a very good communicator, but Rodgers hasn’t exactly helped the situation with his cryptic passive aggressive, beautiful mystery bullshit. I mean, Rodgers isn’t exactly a great communicator either. But he makes up for it by being hypersensitive and a bit of a diva. Talk about the perfect shit storm.
Aaron living his best life.
Beach body??
Rodgers not exactly looking like a scrawny 175 hippie in that photo. He looks like a normal guy to me. And imbibing in the weed.
The dude behind him looks ready to show up for training camp. The dude in front with the long hair looks like he's ready for another puff, puff, pass.
@packerboi posted:The dude behind him looks ready to show up for training camp. The dude in front with the long hair looks like he's ready for another puff, puff, pass.
The guy behind him, Miles Teller, stars in what will likely be one of top grossing films of the year. He is second-billed to Tom Cruise in Top Gun:Maverick this summer.
![r/topgun - [FanArt] Top Gun: Maverick poster](https://preview.redd.it/3px3j45mz4a11.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=a1df98301f55b67a48f6da234adc0b678933e018)
@Henry posted:Considering the multiple clips including the the coup de gracey from Alex Smith, nothing is perceived.
Also, my explanation is my approach to this specific conversation in this thread. Do not try to connect it to Rodgers actions outside the clinical nature I'm viewing this whole clusterfuck from. I don't care what got the situation to this point, I care that it's a situation at all. Particularly when it keeps being reiterated from all corners about how it shouldn't have happened in the first place.
I don't see a resolution so Rodgers actions moving forward are moot IMO. Any possible fallout is already in play. My ongoing concern is this FO is still here and running the show, which doesn't bode well for the future.
Totally legitimate concern about the front office. But concerning yourself only that it IS a situation, while refusing to acknowledge every facet that potentially played a part, is choosing what you want to see. For all the Colin Cowherds and Alex Smiths of the world seemingly backing the argument, there are plenty we can dig up who have said Aaron Rodgers- diva, impossible to please, wants to run the show, etc. That is what's moot at this point, especially in light of the fact that Rodgers outright loathes the gossip mentality from media, but has no issue using it to further his case.
Also interesting how we continue to hear solicited opinions from players, coaches, scouts, personnel people around the league, but pay no mind to the idea that Rodgers himself might exercise undue influence within and outside the locker room. Warning potential FA's that he may not be in GB could be taken as a heads up favor, or creating further damage to the organization beyond the scope of one's own personal situation. It's a matter of perspective. Is that Rodgers acting as the people's QB?
The confusing and clouded narrative is being allowed to run amok, yet still justified somehow because the FO is so blatantly incompetent. We can say it til we're blue in the face- they FUCKED UP. And yet, the one thing still floating around this entire soap opera continues to remain a huge question. What does Rodgers WANT??? It's been speculated to death, and even when he opens his mouth, it only leads to further speculation. I cannot understand how the argument that people need to do right by him could possibly fly in the face of the way he's conducted this revenge tour or whatever the F it is. Call it calculated, diabolical, ingenious, whatever. But saying the organization hasn't been up front and square with you while you willingly use back channels and slippery language and by your own silence encourage the speculation you know is sure to result has inflamed this well beyond the litany of screwing up his employers have supposedly done.
It’s interesting, that up until this latest kerfaffle Rodgers has been criticized for his communication style. Now he’s the people’s champion? Oh the horror!
Alex Smith was kept in the loop because he was just passing through. Just like Andy Dalton. Failed with their first team and now on the path to nowhere.
I agree with Artis' take. The thing that doesn't make sense is that all Rodgers really had to do at the end of the season (or within 2-3 weeks) is say the following in the media.
"I had one of my best years and I feel we are very close to getting another ring. My current contract is structured for the Packers to be able to move on after this next year. I want to be a Packer for life and I want an extra 2-3 years of security in my contract to show that they are as committed as I am to our common goal. Jordan Love is going to be a good QB in this league someday and he'll be a great guy to mentor so he can take over in 3-4 years and continue the legacy of great Packers QBs."
If he'd have said this, he'd have controlled the whole narrative and no one would have thought he was out of line. Why not just come out and say it instead of all the behind-the-scenes maneuvers?
Or maybe he was under the impression after an MVP season that Dumb and Dumber would step up and give him the contract assurances he is seeking.
Shame on him...
Is it just me, or does anybody else not care anymore about Rodgers, but still read this thread to see if Henry punches someone in the throat?
@artis posted:Totally legitimate concern about the front office. But concerning yourself only that it IS a situation, while refusing to acknowledge every facet that potentially played a part, is choosing what you want to see. For all the Colin Cowherds and Alex Smiths of the world seemingly backing the argument, there are plenty we can dig up who have said Aaron Rodgers- diva, impossible to please, wants to run the show, etc. That is what's moot at this point, especially in light of the fact that Rodgers outright loathes the gossip mentality from media, but has no issue using it to further his case.
Also interesting how we continue to hear solicited opinions from players, coaches, scouts, personnel people around the league, but pay no mind to the idea that Rodgers himself might exercise undue influence within and outside the locker room. Warning potential FA's that he may not be in GB could be taken as a heads up favor, or creating further damage to the organization beyond the scope of one's own personal situation. It's a matter of perspective. Is that Rodgers acting as the people's QB?
The confusing and clouded narrative is being allowed to run amok, yet still justified somehow because the FO is so blatantly incompetent. We can say it til we're blue in the face- they FUCKED UP. And yet, the one thing still floating around this entire soap opera continues to remain a huge question. What does Rodgers WANT??? It's been speculated to death, and even when he opens his mouth, it only leads to further speculation. I cannot understand how the argument that people need to do right by him could possibly fly in the face of the way he's conducted this revenge tour or whatever the F it is. Call it calculated, diabolical, ingenious, whatever. But saying the organization hasn't been up front and square with you while you willingly use back channels and slippery language and by your own silence encourage the speculation you know is sure to result has inflamed this well beyond the litany of screwing up his employers have supposedly done.
Seriously not trying to be a dick but I don't have any other way of putting it.
Summary: why doesn't Rodgers tell the fans what he wants?
It simply doesn't work that way and hence the reason I'm not particularly interested. We don't know what's happening as far as discussions. We as fans have a shaky outline but the one thing we can absolutely confirm since it's coming from all quarters is the FO fucked up in handling Rodgers and respect is the key issue.
The argument may take a different tact or flavor simply depending on whether one thinks there's a resolution or not. I personally am in the not category so any particular minutiae in defining Rodgers character or actions is meaningless. Hence, how the hell did it come to this in the first place?
I should add, how did it come this in the first place with a HOF MVP QB well within a Super Bowl window that is all but gone when he's gone. To this very minute I am just gobsmacked on how fucking daft that FO is. Not because of the Rodgers the petty, miserable, whatever whatever but because HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW YOU JUST FUCKED YOURSELF OUT OF ANY POSSIBLE CHANCE AT A SUPER BOWL BECAUSE "SHUT UP AND PLAY"? Sorry, absolutely had to fake online yell because I'm still just fucking dumbfounded by it. How are you so absolutely ironclad on moving on from Rodgers after 2021 no matter what?
That seriously is the major blood vessel throbbing behind my eye.
@Chongo posted:Or maybe he was under the impression after an MVP season that Dumb and Dumber would step up and give him the contract assurances he is seeking.
Shame on him...
Or that a standard contract wouldn't preclude getting an ironclad guarantee for your commitment to the team considering being one if not the best QBs in the league.
@Chongo posted:Obviously, Gunt and Murphy don't feel they need to treat the franchise HOF QB any different than any other player.
They know they fucked up, and are trying to win the PR war by painting 12 as an entitled diva rather than act like fucking men, and owning their shit.
Were this any other franchise, the owner would have sent them both packing by now.
Did they? I mean, which press release or press conference did you see where Gute gave Rodgers the middle finger or said he was a diva..
@packerboi posted:Aaron living his best life.
Beach body??
The other babe is hot ! ! !
@MichiganPacker2 posted:I agree with Artis' take. The thing that doesn't make sense is that all Rodgers really had to do at the end of the season (or within 2-3 weeks) is say the following in the media.
"I had one of my best years and I feel we are very close to getting another ring. My current contract is structured for the Packers to be able to move on after this next year. I want to be a Packer for life and I want an extra 2-3 years of security in my contract to show that they are as committed as I am to our common goal. Jordan Love is going to be a good QB in this league someday and he'll be a great guy to mentor so he can take over in 3-4 years and continue the legacy of great Packers QBs."
If he'd have said this, he'd have controlled the whole narrative and no one would have thought he was out of line. Why not just come out and say it instead of all the behind-the-scenes maneuvers?
Isn't it already been said, indirectly or not? "I'll never play another down in Green Bay".
People don't get to choose what's an acceptable answer when that may be the very answer you're wanting (or not wanting). We've heard all the points of Rodgers personality, what exactly about "I'll never play another down" doesn't fit?
Everyone thinks it's just a negotiating tactic. I don't think so. I think he's done. If that's truly the case then all that can be left is how the FO is trying to contain it or trying to pry him back into the fold with threats or unicorns and rainbows. All the while Rodgers is thinking it's entertaining to watch them squirm when the answer is no regardless of what they do. Demovsky said they already threw a huge contract at him after dicking him around. What else is the answer? "I want the huge contract and I'll tell you the rest later"? I'm going with "fuck you, it's done".
It's what you choose to believe right now.
@GBFanForLife posted:Alex Smith was kept in the loop because he was just passing through. Just like Andy Dalton. Failed with their first team and now on the path to nowhere.
You would think it would be the exact opposite if they were considered such scrubs.
Pretty sure both are realistic about their trajectory and they still were treated with common courtesy.
Yes, lets fire the fucking GM because he had the audacity to plan for the future by drafting a QB prospect to groom without calling Cheech for approval.
Pack your shit 12.
Hey, I made it through the 70's and 80's... this shit will be a breeze.
I don't know about you but I see a huge opportunity in the paper bag market.
That and Alfred E. Neuman merch but I think Chongo already has that locked down.
Oh, and he'd really be more of a Chong in this scenario.
Much like mention of a big black man north of 3 bills, if anyone references Cheech and/or Chong, I am putty in their hands.
On a completely unrelated note, how does Miles Teller still have a career?
Is it wrong to have Funyuns and Crown Royal for supper? Asking for a friend...
Whoa... the whole "Fuck 12" slogan has taken on a whole new life here.