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A National Football League source said Wednesday night that the Packers had filed a tampering charge with the league against the Vikings in connection with an alleged contact with Brett Favre.
The source said the Packers had provided evidence and information about the alleged contact. At this point, investigators for the league will look into the matter and decide what, if anything, to do. The source added that the Packers feel the case against the Vikings is strong.
Allegations of tampering are touchy subjects among professional sports franchises, and the penalties can include the loss of draft choices and fines.
The fact that the alleged contact involved Favre makes the case particularly sensitive because of his bitter dispute with the Packers, who still hold his rights. Additionally, the fact that the case involves the Vikings, a big rival in the NFC North, is sure to fuel animosity between the two franchises.
Since Favre and his agent, James “Bus” Cook, told the Packers that the quarterback wanted to be released by the club, rumors about which teams would want Favre began to surface. One such club named in various media reports was the Vikings, although team officials said they were committed to quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.
Jeff Blumb, a Packers spokesman, said, “We are declining comment.”
Greg Aiello, an NFL spokesman, would not confirm the story and declined to comment. A Vikings spokesman did not return a phone call seeking comment.
The tampering charge was first reported by FoxSports.com. According to the FoxSports report, the Vikings were informed of the charge last week.
According to FoxSports, the allegation was that Favre had what the report termed “inappropriate” dialogue with Minnesota offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, a close Favre friend and former assistant coach with the Packers.
Bevell did not return a call seeking comment.
Earlier, Cook told ESPN.com that Favre would take his time applying for reinstatement in the NFL, saying that he and Favre “have no definite plans for reinstatement.”
“Right now, we have until the sixth week (of the regular season) and Brett has made it pretty clear that he is not willing to come in as a backup.
“If he asks for reinstatement and they start fining him $15,000 a day, well that just doesn’t make sense,” Cook said.
Cook was referring to fines Favre would presumably face if he applied for reinstatement but didn’t show up for training camp. Camp begins July 28.
Added Cook: “We’re going to let Green Bay decide what they want to do. It’s their move.”
The Packers did not comment on Cook’s comments. The Packers, chiefly general manager Ted Thompson, have said they don’t plan to give Favre his outright release. Thompson has said he wants to move on with Aaron Rodgers as his starting quarterback.
The next chapter of the Favre saga could come as soon as Saturday night. Favre is scheduled to be in Green Bay to formally introduce his old friend, center Frank Winters, as part of the Packer Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. In addition to Winters, nose tackle Gilbert Brown and video director Al Treml will be inducted.
The ceremony, which will be held in the Lambeau Field Atrium and has been sold out for months, is closed to the media. But on Saturday afternoon, Favre and the other presenters are expected to meet the media to talk only about the remarks they plan to make that evening.
It is a certainty that Favre will be asked to comment on his standoff with the Packers.
Meanwhile, Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren, who landed an extended chat with Favre, broadcast additional portions Wednesday night of the interview that had not been aired the previous two nights.
