FanHouse Mark Murphy

If you're wondering how hard the battle lines are going to be drawn in the coming CBA negotiations between the NFL and its players, union, look no further than this spin-heavy news item. The Green Bay Packers released financial information that shows a $20.1 million profit for the fiscal year that ended March 31, and Packers CEO Mark Murphy used the occasion to cry poverty.

Players union head DeMaurice Smith has called on NFL owners to release audited financial statements to support their claim that they're struggling financially. The owners have so far refused, but the Packers, as a publicly owned franchise, are the one franchise that has no choice in the matter. Their financial information shows an increase in total revenue from $241 million to $247.9 million.

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Not even the biggest cynic can deny the impact Brett Favre had on the Green Bay Packers in his 17 years there.

Favre was an icon in Wisconsin, and still is to many, many people. There is no question that he has done more than enough to merit a spot on one of the most exclusive lists in sports -- the short list of players whose numbers have been retired by the Packers.

Just don't expect that day to come anytime in 2009.

Despite going to Notre Dame, Jerome Bettis seems like a smart fellow. Which is why it's sorta interesting to hear his thoughts on the most recent development in the STORY THAT REFUSES TO DIE: BRETT FAVRE AND HIS QUEST TO RUIN AARON RODGERS' LIFE.

So, last we heard, Favre had faxed his "I'M BACK!!!" papers to NFL headquarters, and Packers president Mark Murphy flew to Mississippi to beg Favre not to report to training camp. (As an aside: no way this is a distraction to the team's hopes of returning to the playoffs.)

And now, Bettis, appearing on Dan Patrick's radio show, offers his two cents on what the Packers brain trust should be doing.