Allen: Bucs never made offer for Favre

General manager Bruce Allen said the Bucs never made an offer for quarterback Brett Favre because the Green Bay Packers refused to trade him to an NFC team.

Allen acknowledged that the Bucs did receive permission to talk to Favre, but said they were one of 18 teams that were granted that right.

""There was no negotiations,'' Allen said. "There was never any substantive talk about what they would take to trade him. So all of that was speculation. From the beginning, I think it was clear it was a bad situation in Green Bay and they had to deal with it any way they could.

"Green Bay never told us what they were even interested in trading him for,'' Allen said.

According to Allen, he had two conversations with Packers general manager Ted Thompson over the past two months.

Allen's comments disputed reports that the Bucs were one of two teams that Favre was deciding between Wednesday night. Favre's agent, James 'Bus' Cook said trade talks had come down to the Jets or the Bucs.

Favre was traded to the Jets late Wednesday for a conditional fourth round pick that could become a first rounder if Favre is responsible for leading the team to the Super Bowl.

"We always look at any scenario we can find that can help the Buccaneers,'' Allen said. "That is our No. 1 priority is helping this team. If it was going to be a double-trade, a triple-trade, in any form we can help the Bucs, we will always listen.''

When asked if the Bucs made any offers to the Packers for Favre, Allen said, "No.'

Allen was asked if he knew the Packers would only trade Favre to an AFC team, why did the Bucs talk to Favre?

"We're going to listen to people's thoughts,' Allen said. "If there was a way it could benefit the Buccaneers, we're going to keep our ears open.'

Allen said speculation that the Bucs were interested in Favre should not affect quarterback Jeff Garcia's performance this season.

"Jeff's a great competitor,'' Allen said. "His number one attribute is his competitive skills. Right now, we want to get Jeff healthy and back on the practice field. Nothing will change the competitive nature of Jeff Garcia.''

(Pictured - Bruce Allen. Times photo - Brendan Fitterer. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[Jake]

This guy is just so disengenuous and talks to the public as if we are just a bunch of gullible fools willing to accept whatever explanation is offered even when it borderlines the absurd. Why don't you just man up and tell the public the truth for once, Allen!

[joe]

O.K. now that all of the high dollar players are signed I think it's about time the bucs through Garcia a bone or rather 2 million bones that would still leave the bucs 25million under the cap and show a vested comittment to our general on the field..put a smile on jeffs face and lets play ball

[Elliot]

I have a feeling that Garcia will get his new contract now.

Like you know the truth Jake? Sure!!

[billy]

I'm sure the media is always right, Jake.

[butthole]

Actually, no one knows what went on except Ted Thompson and Bruce Allen. The Media has been feeding the public lies for decades. You can never believe what you read. Just make up your own mind.

[Larry the Liar]

yeah .. yeah .. we believe you Bruce!

[Jim]

The lack of proper grammar and spelling by some people makes me want to "through" up!

[Garry the Gullible]

ohh yeah, it was DEFINITELY the media making that whole thing up

the Bucs NEVER had any interest or conversation(s) with the packers

some of you guys are so friggin naive it's HILARIOUS

[J. M. Greene]

Bruce Allen is a carpetbagging, snake-oil salesman.

As much I as I love the Bucs and want them to do well, I wish Jeff Garcia would tell them to stick this up their "ears".

[Pete]

Well, the Bay area media track record right now is not very good. I'm actually going to believe Allen on this one.

Look, in the last week: the Trib had Favre coming to the Bucs (we're still waiting on that Wednesday press conference to introduce him) ... and the Times had Jason Bay going to the Rays (oops, right division, wrong team).

So, before we start siding with the media on this stuff, we should look at the history. You people get suckered into hating the Bucs management and coaching staff because of this media that obviously can't get anything straight.

I mean, did Allen actually say that today? Who knows?

[Britney Spears' left breast]

Nice to see Brucie doing some damage control! (BS) I'm not a big Garcia fan and nor do I think he will lead the Bucs to the Superbowl but, Allen has a nice way of screwing with a player's confidence.

[Jack]

Bruce Allen would have made a heck of a criminal defense attorney. He has an uncanny ablility to lie with a straight face and get people to believe he is being sincere.

[Mordechai Bigfeather]

Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrright.

[Steve L]

I tend to believe the Bucs though who really cares at this point? This is classic negotiation speak. Of course Thompson is telling the media (i.e.- the Jets) that the Bucs are brokering a deal; it drives up their compensation. It’s really quite simple and furthermore, it just doesn’t matter. Allen is just doing what GM’s do.

And Jim, yes, try not to through up. It can be hard when you’re wading through this occasional cesspool.

[Andy]

Is Bruce running for office or something? If not he should since he lies as badly as any other politician.

[mike]

This guy is such a liar. First they screw up by not getting Farve. Then what they have left is in ruins. Now Allen is trying to "make it all go away". No such luck. This will be the beginning of the end of the Gruden/Allen era. Its a disaster.

[Tom]

How does a team like the Packers turn against a guy who is the face of that organization? How does a future HOF who threw for over 4000 yards last year only worth a 4th round pick?

BECAUSE HE'S A PRIMA DONNA AND THE PACK ARE SICK OF HIM! HE'S AS MUCH OF A EGOMANIAC AS T.O.!!

Tell me that's not the truth?

[Duane]

Anyone who thought the Packers would trade Farve to an NFC team probably has also bought shares in the Brooklyn Bridge. Writers kept this whole thing going because it was good copy. Maybe they should apologize to Garcia. What Allen said makes sence. Just because someone is saying something you don't agree with doesn't make them a liar you pack of morons.

[Steve L]

I think we sometimes forget that this is not sandlot football. It is a business first and foremost; an entertainment for our consumption with a sports based theme. Call it a sport if it makes you more comfortable. The Packers had a product to sell and they wanted to get the most out of it, so they whored themselves as all sports franchises do (franchise = business) to squeeze the most out of it. The sucker…I mean franchise that bought what they were selling got their “prize”. At seasons end we’ll all see how it turned out. Anything said before that is pure conjecture.

[skp]

the media is always right. the st. pete times reports that the reason the bucs weren't interested was because of disconcerting reports about favre having proprioception

[joe]

hey jim everyone makes mistakes.. for instance.. your parents probably wished they had used birth control.. but you sure made up for their mistake by catching mine..thanks.. now you can go back to putting red marks on your 1st grade students crayon art..

[Matt H]

Bruce Allen is a pathalogical liar and he is an embarrassment to the Franchise.

[Mark]

I couldn't agree more with pete

[NINJA]

Jake Plummer just called... Couldn't make out what he was trying to say through his overbearing, uncontrollable laughter!

[NINJA]

Jake Plummer just called... Couldn't make out what he was trying to say through his overbearing, uncontrollable laughter!

No Joe. "Everyone doesn't make mistakes". That is just an old saw used by people like you to make themselves feel better about their inadequacies.

[Mikey]

Hey Bruce, why are you just now making this announcement? If you were told by GB that Favre wasn't being offered to an NFC team, you could have saved your QBs and the Bucs fans a LOT of anguish and anxiety! What a swinging d*ck!

[cory]

You guys need to keep in mind there hasn't been a story of this magnitude that has been covered with such irresponsible reporting since spygate. We were told it was a done deal when it wasn't even close. Bruce Allen is a gm who doesn't like to tell the media every aspect of his business. Would you prefer the opposite? It's not his job to give you explanations why Favre isn't on this team. It's his job to run our football team efficiently and if that means not divulging all of his work to the media than so be it. I also get the feeling a lot of people have switched sides on this. For all the people that wrote comments about not wanting Favre there sure is a lot of complaining.

[SC]

OK, lets piece this together:

"Green Bay never told us what they were even interested in trading him for,'' Allen said."

If you don't ask, or propose a trade, how will you know what they are interested in?

"We always look at any scenario we can find that can help the Buccaneers,'' Allen said. "That is our No. 1 priority is helping this team..."

Favre would have helped the Bucs. But your public courtship of Favre and the Pack shows that you did not have complete confidence in Garcia. Remember, he was the one who guided the Bucs to the playoffs last year? Or has that been already forgotten?

"Allen was asked if he knew the Packers would only trade Favre to an AFC team, why did the Bucs talk to Favre?

"We're going to listen to people's thoughts,' Allen said. "If there was a way it could benefit the Buccaneers, we're going to keep our ears open.' "

If the Packers were not going to trade him to an NFC team, why bother talking to them? And how exactly does it benefit the Bucs by talking to a team that is not going to trade you the player?

"Allen said speculation that the Bucs were interested in Favre should not affect quarterback Jeff Garcia's performance this season."

As a professional, I don't see Jeff not giving his absolute best this season. But, I don't see him being a Buc next year.

Bottom line: The Bucs screwed up. Its time to thank the Bucs for participating in the 2008 NFL season.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-Stacy-Cole-Show Come listen Monday-Friday 8:30-9:30 PM www.stacycoleshow.com
www.myspace.com/stacycoleshow

[cgator41]

I'm sure not everything the media reported is true. However, you don't have that many reports from different people (especially from people close to Favre like Peter King)if there is not some truth to the trade talks. The rhetoric that comes out of Bruce Allen's mouth is unbelievable. Damage control is his #1 priority right now because they should have had Favre and he screwed it up.

I guess people who believe Allen today also still believe that John Lynch was cut because he failed his physical.

[Bucsfan]

Who really knows what to believe. And does it really matter? FACT: Favre is NOT coming to Tampa. Now we can move on, FINALLY. If Garcia whines about the Favre circus then he is a crybaby just like Simms.

I wonder if he is eating his "dead man walking" comments about now. I'm sure that statement is just resonating through the lockeroom right now like "pound that rock".

He should've said "dead man hobbling" due to his frailty.

Jets just shipped Farve to Minnesota for a second rounder. Favre had it all worked out all along.

[Yoshi]

Who cares if hes lying or not. Im just happy this whole drama is over!

[cgator41]

"Jets just shipped Farve to Minnesota for a second rounder. Favre had it all worked out all along."

So you're saying that the Jets just gave up three first round draft picks. Sounds reasonable.

[shane]

Brett wanted to come to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but Green Bay wasn't having any of that so they put out a false report about the Bucs offering a 3rd round pick along with Brian Griese to get Farve's hopes up about playing in the NFC and getting a chance at a revenge tour(he would play they two teams that traded him Falcons and Packers) but in the middle of the night(and I do mean middle like 12:00 AM) they go behind Brett's back and trade him to the Jets. I'm going to have to believe Bruce on this one because unfortunately ESPN and the rest of the media world was so desperate for news on Farve that they would take any piece of crap thrown at them. remember the alleged Packer's issued cell phone call to the Vikings made by Farve, the Packers supposedly entertaining NFC North Division rivals trade offers and the supposed tampering charges towards the Vikings? Yeah turns out that all of that was a bunch of BS. I'll believe Bruce Allen before I believe ESPN, Tampa Tribune, Chris Simms(maybe he just wanted to screw with Jeff and Brian's heads so he could get a shot at getting his starting job back), and now the St. Pete Times.

[Hooter's Restaurante']

Howdy, y'all! This here is the manager of the local Hooter's where Gruden once worked. Hey, coach....when the season is over and you're lookin' for a job, come see me. I'm always lookin' for a good cook just like you're always lookin' for a new qb!

[shane]

Let me rephrase that last statement. I'll believe Bruce Allen before I believe ESPN, Tampa Tribune, Chris Simms, and now the St.Pete Times on anything that happens in the Front Office of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

[jay]

bruce allen and little shrimp jon gruden both lie and suck fire them both!

[bayoubelle]

I THINK BRUCE ALLEN IS A "BIG FAT LIAR"...IF THIS WAS THE CASE WHY DIDNT HE COME OUT TO THE CITY OF TAMPA AND SQUASH THIS AND SAY THERE WAS NO TRUTH TO THIS? THAT THIS WAS ALL RUMOR? AND THAT NO NEGOATIONS WERE GOING ON?

WHY WOULD HE LET THE CITY OF TAMPA & BUC FANS OR HIS OWN QB's HAVE TO SWEAT THIS OUT? """"SHAME ON YOU BRUCE ALLAN"""" TOO BAD WE CANT TRADE YOU!!!!!

I THINK HE HASNT THE GONADS BECAUSE HE DOESNT WANT THE 4 QB's THAT TAMPA DOES HAVE TO HAVE ILL FEELINGS FOR HIM(BUT THEN AGAIN I DOUBT THAT TOO).

I HOPE I'M WRONG BUT I DONT FEEL ALL 4 QB's TOGETHER CAN GET US TO PLAY OFFS MUCH LESS ANY FARTHER BUT I LOVE THE BUC'S AND I HOPE I AM PROVED TO BE VERY WRONG.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`GO BUC'S~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Steve L]

They suck fire? Really?

[Think about it]

It was always the media making more out of it than needed because they have NOTHING ELSE TO DO in July and August. It was perverse, and insatiable for them, not us the fans. Media creates a need for themselves. Otherwise, they have no job. And realy, who gives a crap who broke it first? Tomorrow, it is all old news anyhow. Now, the media feels jilted in Tampa, so they cry to us. Who gives a crap? We, as fans, just wanted it to get settled and want the season to start. And the biggest thing for me through it all was that Farve NEVER wanted to come here. It was always Minnesota or Chicago, where he WANTED to play. Then, when that didn't work out, he was left with no other options. So what kind of attitude and player is that to bring into the fold? Are you kidding me? Who wants a mid-life crisis QB to be the leader of their franchis with only a year or so in the tank... that really doesn't care what new team he goes too? What a terrible disruption that would caused here. Especially if half way through Farve quits on Gruden's offense because Gruden's offense insists on running the same stupid sort pass or run up the middle basic plays as everbody else, but out of 6 different sets. And Gruden could never have shared the spotlight with Farve. It's obvious they both have ego's too big to work as a unit. What a mess it might have been...

The good News and Bottom Line: Bucs have a great young O line, great running backs, experienced QB's and a sound defense that will again rank in the top of the league.

[DR]

We believe you Bruce! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
You would make a great Air Force leader, or better yet, you should run for President. There were WMDs in Iraq. OJ didn't do it too. There is a santa clause and easter bunny.

[Think about it]

It was always the media making more out of it than needed because they have NOTHING ELSE TO DO in July and August. It was perverse, and insatiable for them, not us the fans. Media creates a need for themselves. Otherwise, they have no job. And realy, who gives a crap who broke it first? Tomorrow, it is all old news anyhow. Now, the media feels jilted in Tampa, so they cry to us. Who gives a crap? We, as fans, just wanted it to get settled and want the season to start. And the biggest thing for me through it all was that Farve NEVER wanted to come here. It was always Minnesota or Chicago, where he WANTED to play. Then, when that didn't work out, he was left with no other options. So what kind of attitude and player is that to bring into the fold? Are you kidding me? Who wants a mid-life crisis QB to be the leader of their franchise with only a year, or so in the tank... that really doesn't care what new team he goes too? What a terrible disruption that would caused here. Especially if half way through Farve quits on Gruden's offense because Gruden's offense insists on running the same stupid short pass or run up the middle basic plays as everbody else, but out of 6 different sets. And Gruden could never have shared the spotlight with Farve. It's obvious they both have ego's too big to work as a unit. What a mess it might have been...

The good News and Bottom Line: Bucs have a great young O line, great running backs, experienced QB's and a sound defense that will again rank in the top of the league.

[Steve L]

Agreed- nice comment 'Think about it'.

[Brandon]

DR,

His dad was Redskins coach George Allen and his bro was formerly the Gubnah here in Virginia. He definitely has experience when dealing with trades for older players and for a lack of a better word, politicking.

This shouldn't effect Garcia at all. he plays better when he's viewed as the underdog as opposed to the savior. He was supposed to be great in Cleveland and Detroit and he sucked, he was was supposed to just be the backup in Philly and he was good, he was too old and fragile coming onto a team last year that had sucked the season before and he was good. Now that he has had a full offseason of disrespect and angst he should play the best ball of his life.

[Jimbo]

I love how every single person that may (or may not) be a transplant that does something that may be considered "unpopular" (see Stu Sternberg with new stadium as primo ex. #1) is considered a "carpetbagging, snake-oil salesman." Granted, I hate the Bucs (always will) and I think that Bruce Allen's lying about this to save face with Jeff Garcia, (he knows Jeff'll walk if he thinks his ability was ever called in question, which is what a Brett move says, so don't kid yourself) using that moniker is a little harsh and unnecessary. Right now, all Bruce is doing is damage control. It was just smart on their part to forgo the inevitable drama associated with #4, even if I would love to see the Bucs lose every week ;-)

[DR]

Brandon, Why should anyone care what his family is doing? His father and brother have nothing to do with hime being a lying POS.
Garcia will do fine because he is the better man in this whole thing. Allen and Gruden didn't squash the millions of rumors when they had the chance which speaks for itself. Instead they lose out on a player and then say they didn't negotiate. Makes a lot of sense.
And yes, Allen is obligated to give reasons for their actions. The people of Tampa pay for the stadium they play in.

[Flippy]

Looks like the Bay Area media needs a scapegoat for their non-stop, over-the-top, nonsensical coverage of a figment of their imaginations. The New York media had one story each (Newsday had two) yesterday - about the value of the story yesterday. Now they can just report the news, as they should, while our media flapjacks here have to save face.

[Paulo]

LIAR...Its all the media faul..yet not once did you step in to deny. Lying runs in his family!