Tarkenton: Favre's actions 'despicable'

Former Vikings great Fran Tarkenton would like to see Brett Favre end his retirement to play quarterback in Minnesota. But that isn't because Tarkenton wants to see Favre succeed.

"I kind of hope it happens, so he can fail," Tarkenton told an Atlanta radio station Tuesday.

Tarkenton, who lives in Atlanta and does only occasional interviews, did not hold back with his disgust when talking about how Favre has handled himself since announcing his first retirement from the Green Bay Packers in March 2008. The Hall of Fame quarterback was far more critical of Favre than he was of the Vikings for expressing interest.

"I think it's despicable. What he put the Packers through last year was not good," Tarkenton told 790 The Zone. "Here's an organization that was loyal to him for [16 years], provided stability, provided players. It just wasn't about Brett Favre. In this day and time, we have glorified the Brett Favres of the world so much, they think it's about them. He goes to New York and bombs. He's 39 years old. How would you like Ray Nitschke in his last year [playing for] the Vikings, or I retire, and go play for the Packers?"

Tarkenton played for the Vikings from 1961 to '66 and from 1972 to his retirement after the 1978 season. He went 0-3 in Super Bowls with the Vikings but finished as the NFL's career leader in several categories, including passing yards (47,003) and touchdown passes (342). Favre now holds both of those marks.

Tarkenton, 69, might have been a little strong in his assessment of Favre's play with the Jets last season. The Jets, who acquired Favre during training camp, went 8-3 before losing four of their last five games and missing the playoffs. Favre retired after the season in part because of a partially torn biceps in his throwing arm that appears to be the main reason he hasn't yet decided if he will return.

Favre's agent, Bus Cook, did not return a message seeking a reaction to Tarkenton's comments.

At least one of Tarkenton's former teammates disagrees with his view. Chuck Foreman, a Pro Bowl running back who played with the Vikings from 1973 to '79, believes that not only should Favre continue, but that he would make the Vikings a Super Bowl contender.

"Loyalty in this game is not what it used to be," Foreman said. "If you're not playing well, they drop you like a hot iron. Brett Favre should play, and I hope he's playing with the Vikings. But as far as being selfish goes, I think some people need to look in the mirror. In this game, there's some selfishness in all of us."

Asked if he meant Tarkenton needed to look in the mirror, Foreman said: "I'm talking about everybody that played the game had some selfishness in them. That's just the way it is. You want to play well for the team but you want your own individual goals, too."

Tarkenton's criticisms of Favre also included the statement that Favre has "made more stupid plays than any great quarterback that I've ever seen"; has stayed away from team's offseason programs; and had his own area in the locker room to dress as a member of the Packers and Jets.

"Playing quarterback is about the relationships you have with your coaches, with your players, with your trainers, with your managers," Tarkenton said. "How can you do that if you show up on game day and you haven't put the time in? And now he's trying to do it again in Minnesota. And if Minnesota bites, God bless them. ... He's been a great player, there's no question about it, but it's all about him. It is supposed to be all about your team."

• The NFL Players Association plans to appeal a judge's ruling in the case of five players facing suspensions over positive drug tests, including Vikings defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams, the Associated Press reported. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson on Friday threw out most claims made by the Williamses and all claims involving three New Orleans players. The Williamses have a separate case that involves two claims sent back to state court because they involve Minnesota laws.