Packers Begin Training Camp Favreless
Fans Emotions Mixed Without Perennial Starter
Updated: 6:55 am CDT July 29, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The eyes of the sports world were on Green Bay Monday night, watching to see if Brett Favre would make an appearance as the Packers began training camp.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportOn a day when many people start getting exited about the new season, the excitement is a bit muted, to a certain extent, because of the Favre situation.News Three's Marc Lovicott reported from Green Bay, where the training session kicked off at 8:30 a.m. -- without Favre.Aaron Rodgers was the main man Monday morning as hundreds of fans lined the practice field next to Lambeau Field.After practice, Packers General Manager Ted Thompson was grilled by the media."We believe this is the path that we should be on. We believe that this is the best thing and the best interest of the organization -- both in the short term and the long term," Thompson said.ESPN reported that Favre had planned on showing up to training camp on Sunday, but Thompson pleaded with him not to attend the practice session.So while the Favre saga unfolds, the fans are showing up at the Don Hutson practice field to get their first look at the 2008 team, but many said they were hoping to see Favre.Some Packer faithful showed up as early as 7 a.m. to get good seats for the 8:30 a.m. practice session.Many fans said they support the Packers' front office, saying that they are treating the Favre situation fairly because Favre retired on his own accord.Others disagreed and had a message for management."Let Brett Favre come back -- that's the main point," Oshkosh resident Caeden Smith said."I want to see him either go to somewhere that will start him or stay here, and he can be a starter," Lawrence, Kan., resident Adam Carlson said."I think he should come back first-string and not be second-string," Michigan City, Ind., resident Dylan Partyka said. "People kept making fun of me because I'm a Packer fan. I'm the only one in Indiana."Regardless of whether Favre shows up, the Packers said as many as 115,000 fans are expected to travel to Green Bay to watch training camp over the next month.What is normally a very exciting time for fans is somewhat muted, and many said their excitement has turned to frustration.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportOn a day when many people start getting exited about the new season, the excitement is a bit muted, to a certain extent, because of the Favre situation.News Three's Marc Lovicott reported from Green Bay, where the training session kicked off at 8:30 a.m. -- without Favre.Aaron Rodgers was the main man Monday morning as hundreds of fans lined the practice field next to Lambeau Field.After practice, Packers General Manager Ted Thompson was grilled by the media."We believe this is the path that we should be on. We believe that this is the best thing and the best interest of the organization -- both in the short term and the long term," Thompson said.ESPN reported that Favre had planned on showing up to training camp on Sunday, but Thompson pleaded with him not to attend the practice session.So while the Favre saga unfolds, the fans are showing up at the Don Hutson practice field to get their first look at the 2008 team, but many said they were hoping to see Favre.Some Packer faithful showed up as early as 7 a.m. to get good seats for the 8:30 a.m. practice session.Many fans said they support the Packers' front office, saying that they are treating the Favre situation fairly because Favre retired on his own accord.Others disagreed and had a message for management."Let Brett Favre come back -- that's the main point," Oshkosh resident Caeden Smith said."I want to see him either go to somewhere that will start him or stay here, and he can be a starter," Lawrence, Kan., resident Adam Carlson said."I think he should come back first-string and not be second-string," Michigan City, Ind., resident Dylan Partyka said. "People kept making fun of me because I'm a Packer fan. I'm the only one in Indiana."Regardless of whether Favre shows up, the Packers said as many as 115,000 fans are expected to travel to Green Bay to watch training camp over the next month.What is normally a very exciting time for fans is somewhat muted, and many said their excitement has turned to frustration. Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
