Being the Other A-Rod

What a shame. Just when he thought he finally had a shot at leading the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers has to compete with Brett Favre all over again for the starting quarterback position. This is the first time it's ever really been a competition.

Rodgers has spent three seasons as a backup to Favre. Everyone knows Favre retired. It was an emotional press conference. Everyone watched. The world moved on -- Favre isn't even listed on a player search on NFL.com. Meanwhile, Favre stayed behind, dreaming of yesteryear and moments of late '90s glory.

A few months later, Favre asked for and received reinstatement. Now, he's a contender to start at quarterback for the Packers. He has some quality experience doing it: 16 years at the helm, a Super Bowl ring, three MVPs, etc.

Rodgers, on the other hand, has played in seven games in three seasons, with no starts. It looked like he would finally break through once Favre retired. Now he's back to square one.

You have to feel for the guy -- he has handled himself well through it all. But I would be furious if I were him. Not with the Packers, but Favre.

The main reason most people like Favre is that he "plays like a kid" and loves the game of football. But if he had any respect for the game of football and his team, he wouldn't do this. He would go quietly into the night, reaching the Hall of Fame and soaking up retirement. Instead, he has overstayed his welcome. And it's disappointing to see a guy like Favre make such a scene when it's not on the football field.

Elsewhere
-- I don't think talking loudly to people from foreign countries works. I know this joke has been run into the ground, but my trip to Subway for lunch today revealed that even in Washington, the epicenter of all that is intelligent (and extremely arrogant) in this country, there are still people who shout at foreigners to make them understand.

-- I can't wait for this.