James Jones -- among others -- comes to defense of Aaron Rodgers: 'That's not the type of guy that I know'

An egocentric quarterback and a stubborn head coach. The two were bound to clash. 

-- It's easy to pick apart any relationship from an outside lens looking in, especially the kind of relationships that last 13 years.

But Tyler Dunne's recent story at Bleacher Report did more than that. It confirmed every suspicion spectators have had regarding the bond -- or lack thereof -- shared between Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy. While the two should've helped spearhead the makings of a dynasty, they gradually dwindled year-by-year into what has now become a team that serves as a mockery of how a franchise should operate; a shell of what once was.

Rodgers and McCarthy have been under a microscope for what feels like eons. While Rodgers' egocentric personality and McCarthy's stubborn nature may have clashed at various points, every glare, every overlooked play call and every subtle jab at a press conference culminated with McCarthy's dismissal in December.

Could this paint the Rodgers-led Packers in a negative led for a 39-year-old head coach like Matt LaFleur? The reality is, such a comprehensively pieced-together story offers insight into not only how the team spontaneously combusted from the inside, but how vital chemistry between coach and quarterback truly is.

It's something that LaFleur will certainly take into account and analyze as the team prepares to return to the facility on Monday for their offseason program.

Another reality: For every Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley, there are twice as many players who willingly step forward in defense of Rodgers.

Cornerback and current teammate Tramon Williams has taken to Twitter in defense of Rodgers, as well as Casey Hayward, who was one of the Packers' two second-round picks in 2012 and played four seasons with the team.

Both Williams and Hayward piggy-backed off of what another former teammate -- and close friend of Rodgers' -- said on NFL Network Thursday.

"To me, it’s just a bunch of people’s opinions," Jones said. "And that’s not the same opinion I have about Aaron Rodgers.

"The crazy thing about it is I’m getting a bunch of texts from my former teammates, and they’re like, 'Where was I at when all of this stuff was going on? Because I don’t remember any of this stuff going on.'"

Jones played eight seasons in Green Bay, seven of them being with Rodgers as his quarterback. It would be a fair assessment to believe that Jones, who has often flirted with silence rather than standing out as a flashy component to some of the more dominant Packers teams in recent memory, would have his finger on the pulse of the situation.

Also, he remains a close friend of Rodgers and even broke the news of the quarterback's record-breaking contract extension last summer.

"It's crazy that former players that played with Aaron, when they were in the locker room, could’ve addressed this with Aaron, but didn’t address him if that’s what was going on. When I read this article, it makes me sick. Because that’s not the type of guy that I know."

Contrary to popular belief, Jones also confirmed that McCarthy publicly gave Rodgers full control of the Packers' operations on offense. That included the freedom to change the play call at the line of scrimmage and in the huddle. Doing so on the fly could be one reason behind the struggles with rookie receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown last season.

Those growing pains were a significant factor in the frustration and the shortcomings the Packers endured in 2018. It was a sense of unfamiliarity considering the array of weaponry Rodgers has had to work with throughout his career. Are they growing pains that Rodgers, entering his age 36 season, has the patience to work through? 

Perhaps even more startling:

It was 2012, and the Packers were hosting the 49ers when, mid-timeout, cornerback Carlos Rogers playfully asked Jennings why he was running so many short routes.

"You know how it is," Jennings told him. "Contract year."

That's when Rodgers stepped in to say, per Jennings, "You guys should get him at the end of the year."

Come again?

Jennings walked back to the huddle speechless.

It isn't hard to understand why Jennings would take issue with Rodgers after an instance such as this while the nucleus of the organization was already decaying. It becomes a separate issue when a comment like this is muttered in front of members of the opposing team.

But this also doesn't warrant Jennings' habitual tendency of appearing on various outlets to outright slander his former teammate when the opportunity was available for him to handle it internally.

"These other people’s opinions, that’s their opinions; I can’t change their opinions," Jones said, presumably referring to Jennings. "But that’s not the type of guy that I know. The type of man I am, is if you have a problem with a guy and you feel like he’s not doing things the right way or you feel like he’s selfish and you feel like he’s not being a leader, then you address him. But you don’t bring it to the media, you address him."

It's possible that none of this has even reached between the walls of 1265 Lombardi Ave., but it's also possible that it has. As an organization so keen on censoring both themselves and much of the outside noise that revolves around their renowned, beloved franchise, this may not be a story that goes away anytime soon.

The Packers' focus, rightfully, is fixated on the draft later this month, in which the team holds 10 selections. Whether they spend each and every selection or trade themselves around the board and leave that weekend with seven new players to bolster their roster with, those picks are going to be pivotal in continuing to engineer the culture change you've heard so much about.

Team President and CEO Mark Murphy, Executive Vice President Russ Ball and general manager Brian Gutekunst is the trio leading the way, and after a strong free agency period, their roster should already feel foreign; a roster that is built with the future in perspective. The only way to truly brush narratives under the rug in the National Football League is by winning, and winning a lot.

But there's a long way to go from April to September.

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

5 points
 

Comments (129)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
JakeDickerson's picture

April 05, 2019 at 04:48 am

I guess the truth serum, so to speak, will be watching how Rodgers interacts with Lafleur this season.

9 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

April 05, 2019 at 05:35 am

James Jones has a good relationship with Aaron.
And he wants to keep it that way.

He was in his 2nd season as a Packer WR when #12 took over.

What James says is true. From ole 89's perspective.
What Ryan Grant says is true too.

But so is what Jennings said. And Dujuan Harris.
And those former coaches, staff, etc.

It is true that #12 is a prick. It is true that he F'd over guys like MVS, Janis, and others.

One thing we all agree on is we hope that all this puts another new big chip on 12's shoulder & he rises back to his MVP level.
That combined with a real DC like Pettine, with some added talent on defense, could put us back on top.

8 points
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Gilbertbrown4lyfe's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:26 am

Agree.

1 points
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KamThomps's picture

April 06, 2019 at 01:07 am

Mr. Rodgers has comported himself admirably all the while watching too many likely wins slip away. Thank goodness, however, he is far from done.

He needs to let go of the animus and put down every chip he has chosen to carry this far. No scholarship/college recruitment. Drafted 24th. Favre. Et cetera. All those things that have motivated him until now need to be set aside. He requires that balance not rancor be his focus.

He can lead with spirit and determination. He is the catalyst that brings the distinct individuals on the team together – on both sides of the ball, make no mistake – not merely as an aggregate but as a greater whole. That power, that energy that joins everything together and flows through him is his to command at will. If he knew that, he has forgotten it.

He must play again with gusto and sheer love of the game. Taking pride in, and feeding on, his ability to take the hits, make the plays and win the games.

On the field, he is an artisan. Adept. Scientist. Competitor. Thinker. Entertainer. A man in his prime at the height of his powers. He will play at his best because -- right now -- it is his highest calling.

0 points
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John Kirk's picture

April 06, 2019 at 01:14 am

He's not a leader of men. That's been one of his biggest knocks as great as he was.

-2 points
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KamThomps's picture

April 07, 2019 at 04:42 am

Superbowl won by the sixth seed.

15 - 1

R - E - L - A - X

I think we can run the table...

How quickly we forget.

0 points
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GB Jacker's picture

April 05, 2019 at 05:46 am

It's been easy to see that Rodgers has not been happy playing football for a while, maybe because after a certain point winning becomes watered down, but losing hurts for longer.

I would say the following is true:
- Aaron Rodgers is a complicated character, a deep thinker, a perfectionist, and somebody who knows and believes in himself to a degree that goes beyond not just most of us, but even his fellow athletes. He's always going to come across as 'different' and that is a result and a cause of his brilliance. This will inspire some and put off others. If he's playing great, who cares.

- Aaron Rodgers may have been a problem in 2018 but Aaron Rodgers play and personality did not prevent a second super bowl run from 2010-2016. The responsibility for those failures certainly lies elsewhere. Players have down years and come back, don't write him off yet. This whole news cycle would seem strange if it was read following the 2016 season where Rodgers was inspirational.

- Even if he's a complete monster of a human being (I don't believe he is) then he's still been about as fun to watch as anybody who has ever played sport.

- It's natural that in a work place with lots of people, not everybody gets on. Does Aaron Rodgers do his job really fucking well? Most of the time it's hard to say he doesn't.

- Superbowls and wins are great, but I just hope we get to see Rodgers playing with a smile and doing Rodgers things again in the future. That wasn't going to happen with McCarthy.

20 points
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NickPerry's picture

April 05, 2019 at 07:25 am

Excellent comment on Rodgers .... You hit on several key points regarding Rodgers which ring true IMO.

4 points
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Bearmeat's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:02 am

Dude, NP.

Your namesake is about to be a Seahag. You gotta change your screen name man! ;)

1 points
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SoCalJim's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:23 pm

Perhaps “Nicked Perry.”

0 points
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fthisJack's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:54 am

speaking of SB runs....Rodgers wasn't responsible for the epic collapse against Seattle in 2015. they should have been in the SB that year and the responsibility for that rests squarely on MM shoulders. his play not to lose philosophy coupled with his stubbornness to keep his coaching buddies long after they had any relevance had to be frustrating to anyone that was playing there. the firing of MM and his staff came 3 years too late. who can blame AR for being frustrated with that group of clowns.

3 points
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Tundraboy's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:29 am

I can't.

0 points
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PeteK's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:15 am

So many terrible individual plays in the last minutes of that game. Blame lands squarely on those players. Blaming MM is ridiculous. It's like blaming the coach when Montgomery ran out the kick and fumbled, last season against the Ram game.

0 points
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KamThomps's picture

April 06, 2019 at 01:00 am

McCarthy left twelve points on the field in the first quarter. That early, in such an important game, you go with your HOF QB, not your kicker. He may have started out a terrific coach but he became slow, stupid and stubborn.

0 points
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JDK52's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:54 am

I have to agree with everything you've said. Well put and fair.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:59 am

How much money did the GB Packers donate to the Calf. Wildfire relief effort? zero. Rodgers chipped in 1 Million from his coffers. How much money does Mccarthy raise for the MACC fund vs Rodgers etc...If I hear any more whiny , hair salon chirping from the Fans I'm going to puke. Its about Football Players making Plays. The talent pool just dried up. Gutekunst is building it back up. We'll see if he hits on difference makers. If he does you have a chance to see another Lombardi. It not, You will be crying in your Adler Brau when Rodgers moves on and you get to root for Boyle.

1 points
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PeteK's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:45 pm

I haven't permed my hair in a while so my hair salon experience is limited, but I agree with you about player talent.

-1 points
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PeteK's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:30 pm

Do you mean exceptionally well ? There's enough rumors flying around , So I don't care about his bedroom performance . LOL

1 points
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Lphill's picture

April 05, 2019 at 05:47 am

Mark Murphy needs a one way ticket out of Green Bay .

11 points
15.5
4.5
NickPerry's picture

April 05, 2019 at 06:10 am

Makes you really wonder WHAT the hell Murphy was doing when Thompson was (according to the story) sleeping and shuffling around 1265 Lombardi.

I've LONG maintained Ted Thompson WAS the problem at 1265 Lombardi. I have given him his due for building what should have been a dynasty from 2005 to 2011. But as much credit as he deserves for building that roster, just as much blame should be given for the roster that Gutekunst was handed in 2018.

Through all that where was Murphy? I mean it was pretty clear Ted wasn't healthy or well. If I was Mark Murphy I'd be EMBARRASSED as hell of these stories being told.

Green Bay is FOOTBALL. It's the greatest franchise in all of sports. It's about time Murphy gets back to making sure that rings true. The money machine that is the Green Bay Packers is churning out the $$$ Mark. It's time YOU focus on the Packers churning out Lombardis and do everything you can to help Gute do that.

15 points
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fastmoving's picture

April 05, 2019 at 06:45 am

MM tries to make the money for the Packers to stay on track, not for himself. Dont know whats wrong about that since we talk about pro Football here. It is the base for everything going forward and he does a good job in generell.
first its TC the problem, than TT, MM, AR. now Murphy????

2 points
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John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 07:50 am

The absentee landlord is now Jerry Jones. Read the Charles Robinson piece this AM. He literally DESTROYS Magic Mark. It's a surgical tearing apart of the supposed guy who is going to fix this mess he himself created. Must read stuff. Surprised it isn't here like it should be on the top of this site.

I sit in amazement with the optimism around here. This is like bringing Dom back to be HC and being optimistic. Mark Murphy is at a level of brutalness personally and professionally that we've not seen at 1265.

Mark let a guy who should've been in a nursing home run this org. It was only until he was shown on TV in the press box that he acted. When the Nog is too Strong was the Deadspin headline with Ted's picture sealed his fate. What kind of executive is Murphy to allow that to happen much less what kind of human being? Creating some fake story that Ted wanted to step down to watch tape. My goodness what a ruse.

Read that Robinson piece. It's straight truth.

-5 points
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GB Jacker's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:08 am

You mean to say that you're not in favour of bringing Dom Capers in as Head Coach?

3 points
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John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:47 am

I don't care what they do. As long as Magic Mark is out front as he is this won't end well.

Murphy hires WEAK people to be subservient to him. Brian is weak...LaFleur even weaker. I'd argue he couldn't have found a weaker HC than he did which was perfect for him. Both feel incredibly fortunate to be where they are. Part of that is good...another part of it is not. Both know they shouldn't be where they are. Magic Murphy wants lap dogs. He nearly got Russ in the GM chair. McCarthy's revolt and new (foolish) extension tied old Magic Mark's hands there. Had to go with Brian or a lot of the dysfunction being read about now comes out back then. It still did to a small degree but it would've been much bigger.

The turret on the tank has been moving around a lot here lately...it'll keep rotating until one day the main culprit of this entire situation is squarely in the crosshairs. Magic Mark's time will come. Too bad it'll coincide with the end of Aaron's time here. What a waste it's already been and much bigger waste to come.

-8 points
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GB Jacker's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:34 am

Considering the perceived incompetence of MM, TT and Murphy it's pretty amazing over the past decade they won more than 25+ teams, 8/10 playoffs, 2 NFC champs plus a Superbowl. I'm glad for you that you're not a fan of the Buffalo Bills.

6 points
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2.5
John Kirk's picture

April 06, 2019 at 09:18 pm

This kind of reasoning has always baffled me. The kind that points out playoff failure after playoff failure with the best QB in the game back then. The Dunne piece quotes someone as saying the Rodgers era should've produced 6 rings. That might be a little aggressive...however, it should've been more than one ring and appearance for sure.

It's so funny and ironic how the past that wants to be swept under the rug so badly by so many is now quoted as proof things weren't so bad here. Wrong. It was terrible. Does the word "squander" register with you?

This mentality is the same mentality that forced the false narrative of so many here and elsewhere that things were great in Green Bay. We now know that was a lie. Packers won because of the greatness of Aaron Rodgers. He's not so great anymore and is aging and declining.

Keep going with the idea the Dunne piece is the past and something to move on from while citing the past record. It's so rich.

When or if you awaken someday you'll lament this time not celebrate it. It's akin to AJ Hawk syndrome. Bragging about all his tackles and how he's a Packers HOF guy when he was a liability and waste of a 5th overall.

You think what happened in the Rodgers era was "good"? It's been a disaster. Your relativism argument rings hollow while being cheap and lazy. It's about what the Packers could've and should've done and never about Buffalo but you need to obfuscate with silliness.

Packers are team trainwreck. Wheels were rusting and wobbling for awhile. Some fell off last year. More will before this is over.

You honestly believe this team will catch and pass the Bears over the next 3 years while Trubisky is on his rookie deal? Best wishes on that.

-10 points
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GB Jacker's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:05 pm

You're just an entitled fan who thinks that because they know better than everybody else 'your' team should have won more. For one, it's just a fucking game and being a Green Bay fan over the past decade has been fucking great, heartbreaking? Yes. But deeply relevant and thrilling.

You're one of these idiots who sees New England as the rule not the exception. 6 rings! Are you mental. Maybe if we had a genius head coach but even then look at the article about New England, just as many ''melodrama'' stories have been put together about them and they've won more than anybody.

Just because we think Rodgers is an incredible talent, doesn't mean that by default Green Bay should win all the time. They've been unlucky, they've been bad at the wrong time, they've had to pay 12 a lot of money. Honestly, I watch a lot of sport around the world, and it's fans like you that have no idea their born. GB has offered entertainment, and that's all this is, at a level almost unparalleled for the past 10 years. Count your lucky stars and stop whinging that they didn't do what you (and one unnamed source) believed was possible.

Be happy, be an optimist. Look on the bright side. You're not a Bills fan. IMAGINE THAT!?!?! At the end of the day John I just want you to live a happier life. It's never too late to change.

12 points
15.5
3.5
GB Jacker's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:08 pm

P.S. At least you'll have fun routing for Mitchell and the boys.

-1 points
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1
John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:29 pm

Ha ha. I hate the Bears and Vikings...but especially the purple. Grew up on the border and had to suffer through Minnesota TV.

This relative we aren't the "x" is really lazy and stupid.

Right, we aren't them...if they had what we had they'd have probably cashed more.

We're a fanbase full of fans who deified Thompson and McCarthy. I never did. I was disgusted with both. Immensely disgusted. Those two guys severely limited the success that should've been.

BTW, the 6 rings thing was in the Dunne piece. I don't think many took the time to read it. Getting the very thin synopsis here at the top of the page doesn't do justice to the greatness and vastness of the Dunne piece.

It's a well worn thought OUTSIDE the Packers bubble that the Packers have squandered Rodgers career. Those inside like you are still clinging and pointing to the past failures as if they're badges of honor. It's quite a stark contrast from inside the bubble to outside and that's where objectivity comes in. It's rare in fans of anything. Some here possess it and I admire them. Many don't and wouldn't know where to begin with it as the conditioning has been so strong.

Ever ask yourself why the perception not coming from sites like Packers.com is so different than what you get with the Dunne, Robinson, etc. of the world? If you get to the bottom of the propaganda machine that has poisoned you, you'll be better and happier because you'll be smarter and more self-aware. I would take being unhappy because I know the truth vs. blissfully unaware but that's just a personal taste thing.

-11 points
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PeteK's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:53 pm

I was running out of breath reading those long responses. I wonder if Saints fans with Brees feel the same way. Theme: it's very difficult to get to the SB. Excluding the Patriots.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:35 pm

Hahaha, thanks GB. This time reality turns its appreciative head. However, it's a different attitude from now going forward because of draft opportunities and free agent spending .

0 points
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fastmoving's picture

April 05, 2019 at 02:11 pm

but non is as week as you.
I bet you would give everything to be just 1% the guy MM is. As a Player, as as Leader, as human beeing and as a guy with a brain.
all you have are your strange conspiracy theories and your hate. Guess you wearing a wig as well……
but funny that the kirkkind of people really believe somehow, they smarter is above me and the best prove the live on here own planet.

1 points
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John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 05:52 pm

Not smarter...more in tune and honest with themselves. That's the difference between us. You may be smarter than me. I don't know. What I do know is you're what one would consider a Koolaid drinker. Those types are not objective and have some bizarre need to take personal anything and everything said that they don't like about their team as if I'm saying it about you.

No question I'm smarter than McCarthy. Better guy? I don't know. I care about people. Very sensitive in the right way...not the Rodgers way.

The only hate in me for the Packers is for wasting Rodgers career. Shameful. Regrettable. I do happen to strongly dislike Magic Mark. He's one bad guy and I do HATE much about him. You forget that he sat up there with his big grin in full narcissism regaling the assembled media about how he "made up some bullsh*t" to a sincere question Matt LaFleur had asked about timing on hiring someone. He simply wanted to know for him and his family's sake. Murphy laughs about straight up lying to him right after extolling the family nature of the Packers and speaking to the virtues of being a Packer and how Matt fit that. I mean that's really really awful. How is Matt LaFleur ever to believe a word out of Murphy's mouth if he can sit up there all full of himself and laugh about lying to him in front of reporters and all those watching on TV. If I was LaFleur I'd be very leery of anything he said to me going forward and I'd have no respect for him for mocking me publicly and bragging about lying to my face as if it's some kind of funny joke. Empty narcissistic people act like Murphy and most of you laughed at that exchange. Shameful.

-3 points
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Mike Wendlandt's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:10 pm

You talk about arrogance and narcicism with Murphy, McCarty, and Rodgers, yet you constantly carry the tone of the utmost arrogance in every post you make. Perhaps you should take a look at yourself before you break your arms from patting yourself on the back so much.

This franchise has been one of the most successful in this century and you never see anything good in it. That's on you, and going after those of us who enjoy watching the team and have optimism about it is something that apparently gives you great joy. That's a poor reflection on someone who claims to be the smartest in the room every time. Have fun with your negativity and don't run away when Dorsey and the Browns have to deal with cap troubles in 2021 when they have to pay everyone.

1 points
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John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:46 pm

There's no arrogance or narcissism here. I'm just pointing out after years of mockery by posters like you that I was right.

I could go on... I got hammered for speaking to Ted's health. It came out a few days ago he may not even make it to his own induction because of that declining health. This fan base is so ridiculously gullible. Most here bought the doozy whopper of a lie that Ted requested to step down. How that could happen I'll never understand but it was bought hook, line and sinker. I was amazed. I was not wrong then. Wasn't wrong about TT, MM or AR. I'm 100% not wrong about Magic Mark who is the worst of them all. All I've ever done with my posts is give my perceptions that aren't based on drinking koolaid and it's soundly rejected and mocked. I always turn out to be right, though, and this is my moment. Ted was VERY sick and compromised yet he ran the Packers while people here reamed me for pointing out he was hurting and how sad that was NOBODY spoke up. I spoke with media guys from Green Bay who told me they knew he was not right but nobody wanted to go there.

Years ago I frequented another popular Packers forum. I ripped Brett Favre for the awful guy he really was beneath all the media promotion and nauseating love affair. Those on that site changed my avatar and mocked me as they were cult-like Favre lovers. The irony is a few years later the guy who ran the site who had a Favresque moniker changed it to something non-Favre related. Him and all his minions all of a sudden were anti-Favre the player and person just like I told them for years. Ironic to see them become me but only years later.

I'm more right about Mark Murphy than I've been about anything I've ever gone dogmatic about. You will see in time, I guess. Bad, bad, bad, bad, guy. A liar and fraud. Empty. Reprehensible. So sad he's part of the org I grew up loving.

Oh, and I saw plenty of good with this org when Harlan, Wolf and Holmgren were here. A true all-star team. Mark, Ted and Mike was a JOKE... fortunate to be propped up by Rodgers. It;s been a hard run with them here from the beginning. Yes, I LOVED the SB. Right in my backyard. That was something that should've been repeated several more times but it wasn't because those 3 were limiters of potential success not enhancers.

Now, it might be even worse than it was under those 3. Murphy has grown in power when he should've been ousted with extreme prejudice. He's beyond the nightmare that was Dom Capers...hey, his D won a SB, too. The ruiner of this franchise is now more impactful than ever. Bizarro world. He hires a weak guy whom he neutered right before offering the job to. Makes Brian half of a GM and Brian accepted those terms!!!!! He then hires a guy NOBODY wanted. Titans shocked he was hired as a HC. His O in TN was BRUTAL. He's hired for what exactly? Holmgren was a successful guy with the top franchise in football. LaFleur and McCarthy both were abysmal with less than top tier teams. It's mindboggling what has happened yet you don't see this?

You would hire the OC from the 25th ranked Titans offense who has no presence and has never been a HC for Rodgers precious final seasons? You believe Rodgers is going to respect the "great" Matt LaFleur? What would that opinion be based on? Just because he's his new HC and not MM? Rodgers has to be as PISSED as when they took AVP and Jordy away from him if not more. It's like the FO is trying to sabotage Rodgers for taking shots at them. It's a bizarre relationship to state the obvious. Where have Aaron's comments been. It's been several months since the hire. Crickets from Rodgers. If he was happy he would've spoken. He ain't. He's P I S S E D. I guarantee it. No way he couldn't be just like with MM all those years.

So, yeah, I rip the heck out of this fiasco that has been a fiasco that few noticed. I honestly sit in amazement when I read most of the posts around here. They defy all logic. They're bereft of any sound reasoning. It's nothing but blind optimism in the face of a mountain of evidence that this is a total train derailment that is going to take years to improve upon. For some odd reason most of you are thinking more Super Bowls. That Packers window closed and is gone. It's now a lucky to get to .500 type of team but you can't square that because you think it's still 2010 around here. It's closer to the 70's and 80's than it is 2010. A lot closer.

Feel free to make me the issue. All I've ever done on forums is type what I honestly see and think. I only desire more to do the same but sadly fantasy and feel goodism overrides most people's logic center.

-3 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:49 am

Link to the Charles Robinson article (add the https://www.)

sports.yahoo.com/in-aaron-rodgers-vs-mike-mc-carthy-each-side-lost-in-widely-known-feud-of-packer-dysfunction-065622236.html

3 points
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John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:28 am

Thanks, TGR. I hope everyone reads it and actually ponders it. Old Charles passive aggressively went nuclear on WEAK Magic Mark. Weak craves weaker and strong caves strong. Iron sharpens iron and 1265 is quite anemic.

Amazed this fanbase hasn't seen the light. One day, when it's too late, it will.

-2 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:45 pm

"Murphy hires WEAK people to be subservient to him. Brian is weak...LaFleur even weaker. I'd argue he couldn't have found a weaker HC than he did which was perfect for him. Both feel incredibly fortunate to be where they are."

So true Kirk. I saw it right away with Gute and was not happy. When I saw this LaFleur command zero presense as he entered the room for the first time as our head coach I knew we were screwed. I said it before and I'll say it again. The Packers needed a Trump and got Justin Trudeau from Canada instead. Total weakness is what the Packers now represent. I guess it's good for selling merchandise with women but bad for winning actual football games on the field.

Dash

-10 points
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14
fastmoving's picture

April 05, 2019 at 02:32 pm

why should the Packers need an week looser to runs them into the ground?? Do you think ist bad if you have a hunch of something and just know one thing or two?
Besides that, no one would play for him. just like in real life. But you know that better than everyone else.
So we got lucky again. MM is more on the strong side, like Justin.

But as a great fan of weakness and stupidity, you can always pray

3 points
4
1
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 05, 2019 at 02:46 pm

Fastmoving, I keep telling you to slow down but you never listen. I'll have to show what you wrote to Jethro. Maybe he can translate it for me and I'll get back to you.

Dash

-3 points
1
4
PeteK's picture

April 05, 2019 at 02:01 pm

thanks, Kirkstradamus

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:04 pm

Murphy was plotting to get russ ball into the GM position and derail what's left of the franchise. THat was scuttled thankfully, by Mccarthy and Gutekunst got the nod.

0 points
2
2
PeteK's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:58 pm

Kirk ,Riprock, and Sam all in a row noooooo !!!

-2 points
0
2
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:10 pm

Don't throw Sam1 in with the elites here. That's a total insult. He's lucky if he's at the kiddie table.

Dash

-4 points
0
4
NickPerry's picture

April 05, 2019 at 05:50 am

Jesus Christ...WHEN is the draft!

25 points
26
1
GB Jacker's picture

April 05, 2019 at 06:15 am

Lol. Yes to this :)

8 points
8
0
4thand1's picture

April 05, 2019 at 07:09 am

20 days, 11 hours , 51 minutes

9 points
9
0
NickPerry's picture

April 05, 2019 at 07:22 am

Thanks 4thand1....Now THAT will be the story of 2019. Well that and being back in the playoffs and winning the NFC North.

3 points
3
0
fthisJack's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:06 am

you know whats coming now. the relationship between AR and MF will be under a microscope and every facial expression or gesture will be analyzed ad nauseum. if Rodgers isn't smiling all the time, that means a big rift between the 2 and the vultures will jump on it.
i'm just happy that MM and Capers and TT are gone and maybe GB can get back to winning football games instead of all the effin drama!

4 points
4
0
BELIEVER's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:15 am

Just win and all this crap goes away, lose and the vultures have a feast.

7 points
7
0
Lare's picture

April 05, 2019 at 02:03 pm

No one can change the past so there’s no sense worrying about things that have happened. Sadly, some people live for soap operas and problems in other people’s lives.

I’m a fan of the Packers and want to see them be successful. Personally, I think they’ve made some good changes over the past year to help them turn things around and I look forward to seeing additionally moves in the future.

6 points
7
1
PeteK's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:19 am

Change the name, it keeps reminding me of one of the reasons why our D stunk the past few years. please

0 points
0
0
JDK52's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:56 am

Right there with ya bud.

1 points
1
0
Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

April 05, 2019 at 06:04 am

Using words like “decay” and writing that the Packers are “a team that serves as a mockery of how a franchise should operate; a shell of what once was” seems a bit over the top to me. Perhaps the story was jarring to many of the faithful, but it just wasn’t surprising to me. I would be shocked if any group of over 100 people got along as well as and were as competent as the organization projected. The question for me is did they over-perform or under-perform compared to other groups of players and coaches. We have 32 data points across 13 years that say they were not a mockery.

Over time, almost all records will regress to the mean. It’s why after 100 years of playing, the Packers and Bears are roughly tied in records and even points against each other despite the Bears incredible suckitude. The last 13 years has shown anything but decay.

Now, if you are referring only to the last two years, there has been a drop off. It’s why we have a new coach. The expiration bromide of about 10 years has been proven accurate once again. But to say that anything I read in the article al was anything more than completely normal is a stretch.

16 points
16
0
4thand1's picture

April 05, 2019 at 07:11 am

"decay" and mockery" describe the 70's and 80's.

7 points
7
0
JDK52's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:02 am

These are great points, and I had a similar thought yesterday; what if a writer chose to pursue an article of this type about a franchise player with any of the other 31 teams? I'd be shocked if most of them couldn't manage to find sources that would recount a similar level of ugliness when viewing the end of a very successful era such as GB had with MM. This is the type of things that happens when teams lose.

3 points
3
0
Iowapackerfan's picture

April 05, 2019 at 07:05 am

Say what you will about Aaron Rodgers: he's a dick, he's a perfectionist, he's egocentric, he's selfish, he holds a grudge, etc., all very true most likely. But he also loves winning. And he's intelligent. You would think those last two qualities will mean he will find a way to make it work with his new coaches and players this year. I long ago accepted that Aaron Rodgers is not the nicest guy in the world; when my 10-year-old got dressed in her best Packer outfit and sent the photo to AR along with the sweetest note you can imagine, and didn't get any sort of reply, I figured that out. But I've come to only care about what he does on the field, and how others perform on the field because of how they interact with him. Dear God, tell me there's a turnaround in the offing; I lived through the Packers of the 70s and 80s and can't do that again.

3 points
7
4
zoellner25's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:50 am

all great points

0 points
0
0
PeteK's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:24 am

Mainly because we're too old and won't live to see the turn around this time. You just scared the *&%$ out of me.

2 points
2
0
GB Jacker's picture

April 06, 2019 at 02:42 am

'' I long ago accepted that Aaron Rodgers is not the nicest guy in the world; when my 10-year-old got dressed in her best Packer outfit and sent the photo to AR along with the sweetest note you can imagine, and didn't get any sort of reply, I figured that out. ''

- Bizarre anecdotal evidence. He's one of the most famous men on the planet. You think he has time to go through all his fan mail and respond? Don't set your ten year old up for this kind of heartbreak!

None of us have any idea what he's really like (whatever that means) off the field. But he's great to listen to, very much enjoyed hearing him talk about non-football related issues on the Pete Holmes podcast a while back. Genuinely curious about more than just sports.

0 points
0
0
Biggar's picture

April 05, 2019 at 07:35 am

All this is ,is life in the big city. If arod not going to come on board wee will know early. The team needs talent and gm is moving asap to have that in place.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:14 am

When stories like this hit, and there are a lot of unnamed sources it really makes you wonder who the sources are. And if they have any axes to grind kind of thing.

Some names that make sense. Winston Moss, Alex Van Pelt, Elliott Wolf, Alonzo Highsmith, Joe Whitt. All of which might have a bit of an axe to grind.

Then there are the Jennings and Finley's of the world who are notorious to spew negativity towards Rodgers and McCarthy. I'm sure there are other players as well.

The funny part about some of this is you are seeing long time Packer players are now coming out asking where was this when they were there. Kuhn, Jones are 2. Williams and Hayward have chimed in also. I'm sure we will hear more of this stuff.

I'm curious to hear from more former players.

5 points
6
1
SoCalJim's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:39 pm

At this point, I’m no longer curious to hear the opinions of former players, coaches, etc. I’d like the soap opera to die quickly & quietly to focus on the start of the off-season program next week and the draft in a few weeks. The 2019 Packers’ story has yet to be written, and I eagerly await it. Go Pack Go!

1 points
2
1
4thand10's picture

April 07, 2019 at 07:26 pm

Some of these unknown sources might just butt be hurt in some way. Whether they are ex coaches or players finished careers for other teams or whatever. who knows for sure? Who cares? I know from a fans perspective... changes didn't happen soon enough. Last year was Pettines first year...he improved a Bottom ranking defense back to mid range...which is good for a first year. I'm looking forward to year 2 with this improved secondary and infusion of Edge talent.

I have to kinda scoff when people say " all the talent Rodgers has had around him" Look at what other teams do for the QB and then look at what was given to Rodgers. With the exception of maybe 2 RBs.... too many more to list that shouldn't have even been in the NFL. How many years of Richard Rodgers exactly, who was an absolute head scratcher of a pick? Other than Jennings, Jones, Nelson, Adams where were the real WRs? Especially in the last 3 yrs. People keep talking about Geronimo... he's OK, but a legit #2 or a #1 if Adams tweaks something...no way. Everything about Geronimo, J'aMon screams Ruvell Martin so far. MVS and EQ....potential, but potential to get to the promised land? Huge question marks. When Manning, Brady, Roethlisberger NEEDED more RB help or WR help they weren't handed scraps exactly and I don't remember any of them playing for such suspect Olines..

0 points
0
0
sonomaca's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:41 am

It comes down to this: Gute has made key improvements. The team is good enough to get to the SB, assuming no catastrophic injuries. Rodgers has 4 years left. Does he want to win, or does he want to squabble with former Packers personnel?

1 points
2
1
fthisJack's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:11 am

he can do both.

1 points
2
1
zoellner25's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:49 am

IIMO, ARod is like Jordan. He was a complete jerk to teammates in practice to push them to be better and wouldn't accept less than 100% effort all the time. Its part of what made him great. It's also part of of why not everyone liked him or wanted to wring his neck and maybe burned a few bridges along the way. I'm still very thankful we've had two HOF QBs in GB since I was a young teenager. At least we aren't the Jets

8 points
8
0
shmelbs's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:13 am

But the Jets have new uniforms now. So they have that going for them. Which is great.

4 points
4
0
dobber's picture

April 05, 2019 at 06:52 pm

Galunga galunga!

1 points
2
1
4thand1's picture

April 07, 2019 at 08:29 pm

Apparently some dolt doesn't know want galunga galunga means.

0 points
0
0
bodei1newbie1's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:13 am

I will be watching everything on offense lets see what happen and how he gets along with his receivers

1 points
3
2
4thand10's picture

April 07, 2019 at 07:29 pm

I still believe we don't have a legit #2 WR on the roster yet.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:42 am

The biggest problem with the Dunne story IMO is that he did not speak with any of the principals. No comments from Murphy, Gute, Rodgers or MM. I would add TT but he may not be in a position to comment.

If you go to 100 different people you will probably get 100 different opinions about AR and MM. As a reporter shouldn't an effort be made to hear from both sides? Wouldn't a legit journalist want to hear from the "horses mouth" to confirm or deny these rumors and innuendos?

I'm not trying to say that there were not problems between MM and AR or that there has not been dysfunction and poor communication at 1265. Clear!y there has been. I was never happy that Murphy was off doing his Titletown thing while the team was going downhill. I even posted here that football was becoming a hobby in Green Bay rather than the focus.

In any case the fact that Dunne did not get any comments or even a "No comment" from Murphy, Gute, AR or MM causes me to doubt the credibility of his unnamed sources and lean towards my believing that he prepared this story for click bait and ratings and his own agenda rather than a legitimate attempt to inform the public. This is the problem when everyone has their own platform.

Where there is smoke there is fire. In this case the truth is probably somewhere between what Dunne has written and those who have denied it completely. Bottom line is we'll never have the full story. Therefore time to move forward and look forward to the future. Tomorrow is another day and another story and the wheels on the bus go round and round.
Thanks, Since 61

7 points
8
1
John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:57 am

Zach Kruse summed up this so beautifully in a single tweet saying...

@zachkruse2
I’ve been struggling with this all day because I don’t doubt what @TyDunne uncovered.

---Why is Zach and many others "struggling"? You don't struggle unless you don't wish it to be true. That's the problem with our media and fanbase. It wishes truth not to be. Instead of dealing with it, it spins and obfuscates to achieve some good feeling desired.

As I've said, the truth is often ugly. Embrace it. If you don't, you're doing the same thing that created the mess at 1265 in the first place. The denials and "struggling" with how to deal with the truth has come with a deadly price.

Don't be a Zach Kruse here. Don't struggle. Realize what is actually is and demand better. If you're so concerned with how things look, how things actually are will never be dealt with. Who cares how it looks? Let it be ugly and let it change. Bandaiding and excuse making just continues this cycle nobody likes or wants.

Many here are somewhere in the stages of grief pyramid and will never get to the end opting to pretend their way out of reality.

Magic Mark is a major problem. Has been and will continue being. Face it now instead of realizing years later how doomed this thing was because he was out front.

-6 points
2
8
Since'61's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:15 am

John - not to argue the point but I have been a NY Yankees fan longer than a Packers fan. And I lived through and remember very well the Yankees of the late 70s. Those were the days of the "Bronx Zoo". You want to discuss dysfunction and turmoil, there has been nothing like it in sports since then.

This little dust up that Dunne has reported would not have made it into the news during that time in NY. Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson had to be separated in the dugout from coming to blows on national TV. That is just one instance of an on going saga that played out just about everyday for 2-3 seasons.

However, when that team got on the field they played great baseball and went to 3 consecutive World Series during 76-78 and won 2 of them. So no one really cared about the off field turmoil except the media.

My point is that if the Packers had won another SB or two during 2014 - 2016 we probably wouldn't care about this stuff with the Packers. The reality is two losing seasons have everyone looking for scapegoats and for placing blame. The team wasn't good enough, that's the story.

The Yankees won despite the turmoil because they had great players who did their jobs in the field. The Packers had one great player with an average supporting cast at best. Yes, people's feelings were hurt, yes words were exchanged, yes coaches and players were disappointed. Yes people have egos and attitudes, that is all par for the course.

I'm no fan of Murphy either, I agree with you on that. But I am a fan or actually a believer in being fair. And I think that Dunne not getting feedback from Murphy, AR and MM about his story is unfair to them. They deserve to be heard as well. Maybe it would be "No comment." But his efforts to hear their side would add credibility to what he has written.

"Something has been rotten in Packerland" for sure but Dunne is only delivering part of the story, accurate or not. Thanks, Since '61

6 points
7
1
John Kirk's picture

April 06, 2019 at 09:28 pm

I remember the Billy Martin/Reggie days. Good times.

Baseball and football are vastly different sports. Baseball is much more an individualistic sport. Nobody is up there batting but the person at the plate. It doesn't take 11 guys to hit a homerun. It takes one. Dysfunction in baseball is not the same as dysfunction in football.

Years ago when the Steelers were winning SuperBowls under Chuck Noll it was said that they won them in spite of Noll not because of. That's the kind of stuff that drives me crazy. Barry Switzer won a SB...so did Trent Dilfer as a QB. Both are a joke to their relative positions yet people want so badly to ascribe goodness as much as they do badness to things. The Steelers like the Yankees. were able to win due to their obvious talent advantage. The Packers as you noted don't have that. They did when Rodgers was in his prime. He hid lots of deficiencies that can't be hidden any longer.

My honest opinion of Murphy, Brian and Matt isn't positive on any of three. My honest opinion on Wolf and Holmgren was that I loved them both immensely. I'm not this troll as alleged by some. I simply don't like nor respect Murphy at all. It's at levels that surpass by a good margin my disdain for TT and McCarthy. I like watching Super Bowl victories. I don't really care much for division championship or 1st round playoff wins.

Honestly, if I was still into this as I was, my expectations would be greatly reduced. I do honestly think 8-8 is a good goal for the LaFleur/Murphy/Brian Packers. I don't know that they'll get there. D should be better because the more time with Pettine the better.

What will be ironic is the defense will finally get good enough while the offense will have regressed enough to offset the gains on D. Pure madness.

I'm just a disgruntled fed up I can't take it anymore guy. I just couldn't do it this season. I truly despise Mark Murphy on several fronts. He makes me as sick as that article made James Jones...maybe, sicker. I'm principled to the max. Can't support what I totally disrespect. This is Mark Murphy's iteration more than ever of the Packers. That's so unappealing. I'm truly sorry for you and that's not a backhanded or trollish comment.

-3 points
1
4
JDK52's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:25 pm

Perhaps you should spend some time figuring out why you take football/sports so seriously? I can be a fan of the team without loving the front office. Most of us here feel that way.

Also, you don't know Murphy, LaFleur, Gutekunst, et al really at all. Everything we know is based on media perception, and we've seen how easily that is manipulated by the few people who both have interacted with them and been willing to talk about it with a reporter. Everything we think has to be adjusted relative to that understanding.

Take a few steps back, none of this is as important to you and me as you're making it sound.

4 points
5
1
John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:55 pm

Sports aren't important at all. However, if I'm going to spend time watching them, I have certain expectations. Watching anything that should be performing better than it is bothers me whether it's a car, person, sports team, family member, etc. You want to see the best version of everything you are exposed to in life. I react counter to what I see. I see masses of people follow sports, movie series, celebrities and elevate them to very unhealthy places. I fight against that. That is important to me. We're a "doped up" culture on so many insignificant things. I have enough bad in my life and see it in the world to experience more of it in things I spend time on for entertainment. Who doesn't want maximum return for investment?

I may not know Mark Murphy but I've listened to him enough to know he's not a good guy. I've watched him lie and then also laugh about lying in front of his new handpicked HC at his opening press conference. He's an empty, narcissistic corporate type. I've met enough self-important muckety mucks to know Murphy is every bit one himself from watching him. He literally turns my stomach. I can't stand him. I don't react that way for no reason. I find bad people difficult to process.

It's funny you even went there about me not knowing certain people. That's true of you, too. The difference is I really study people whether sports figures or whomever. I'm a people watcher. It is something I'd say I'm "good" at.

-4 points
1
5
JDK52's picture

April 05, 2019 at 04:53 pm

You'll note I did include myself when I said we don't know any of these guys, really. I can appreciate wanting "maximum return on investment", but that's a very weird way to refer to something that exists for entertainment only.

How do you know I don't "really study people"? I would argue strongly I am, right now, really studying you, and have been since first I stumbled across your comments here. The funny thing about the internet is how it is entirely anonymous if the participants choose for it to be.

It sure sounds like you need a break from being a Packers football consumer. Really getting you worked up having to put up with an empty, narcissistic muckety muck running your favorite team.

-1 points
0
1
John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:51 pm

I need a break? I took one. I've posted in 3 threads here in several months.

Ha ha. I have no doubt you are studying me. Do what you're doing with me with the team you follow. Bet it looks different if you do.

You think I'm worked up. BP is good. This has been a couple of days for me. If anyone would be worked up it would be those trying to run away from the Dunne piece. I'm reveling in it.

BTW, off-topic... I saw a comment on PFT about the latest Packers story. Who in the world was the leak to Dunne about the Murphy/Rodgers phone call about the LaFleur hire? Only two people would know the nature of that call unless the secretary was listening or if this was a conference call with Brian and Russ present. That circle is tiny. Either Murphy has a mole very close to him which is more dysfunction or it's Aaron himself or someone Aaron told. That's also dysfunction. So, however that got out is very dysfunctional.

We saw what happened to the Steelers with their drama plagued season last year. Green Bay is going to dwarf that drama before all is said and done. I pity LaFleur. The deck is really stacked against him coming in as a rookie HC having to deal with this. Unfair to bring someone with zero experience into that. Just wrong of Murphy on several levels to make Matt the HC in Green Bay.

-3 points
0
3
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:53 pm

I think if I was a betting man I would say the leaker of the phone call was Aaron Rodgers. What a year for leakers wow!!

Dash

-2 points
1
3
John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:00 pm

Given the fact the Packers have chosen to respond to the phone call part of the Dunne story does lead you to believe it had to be Rodgers but I wouldn't put it past Magic Mark to brag to people that he set Aaron straight when he probably didn't. What better cover than leaking that. Who is going to dispute that? Only Aaron could. It makes Magic Mark look like he's tired of the drama and putting a stop to it. I saw people here give him kudos for growing a pair. Mass manipulator probably never said anything close to that and probably kissed Aaron's backside. He's full of false bravado. Someone leaked it. Who is was is important here.

Again, no matter who did it points to more dysfunction and someone doing something they shouldn't have based on wanting it out for some purpose. Would love to know who and why. That's why Magic Mark makes sense. He wants to be perceived as this domineering fixer of this mess when he's the main contributor. He is the king of false narratives. Ted asked to scout again? L M A O. Riiiiiiiiiiiiight. Murphy has no respect for this fan base or the other members of this org. It's all about him and how he's perceived. Folks like him drive companies and organizations into the ground before they're found out and exposed.

1 points
1
0
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:41 pm

Yeah, I could never see Murphy acting like a tough guy to Rodgers and tell him to not be the problem. That just doesn't jive with the Murphy I have known since he's been here. If he actually was the "leaker" and wanted it out so he could be looked at as a hero than boy oh boy, we are talking major problems for the future at 1265. If it's Rodgers than it's just as bad. It has to be one of those two. Who else could it be? The janitor?

The only way out of this train crash that is coming soon is they either have to believe in Boyle or they have to draft and hit on their next superstar qb with their first pick this season. They have no choice if they want to survive financially. Rodgers days of domination are over. Without a new young great qb like the Bears have, the younger fans with their smart phones will lose interest very quickly. The loyalty of the 70's and 80's die hard fans will not be there anymore. I think the Packers will go qb with their first pick. They almost have too now after hearing this latest stuff about Rodgers not even talking with LaFleur. They can't afford an unhappy Rodgers with no alternative in the works. Based on this latest information it's looking more and more likely that this season is headed for total disaster unfortunately. We need a new quarterback fast!!

Dash

1 points
1
0
John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:58 pm

I really wish they'd have tried trading Rodgers to Cleveland for the #1 overall and more. I wrote about that here a bunch.

Now, you're left with a team strapped by a QB salary that doesn't belie his future production but rather his past. Aaron Rodgers is .500 over the last 4 seasons.

The window to move him for big returns closed. Imagine if the Packers actually had dealt him to Cleveland and took Mayfield. They would've hit on 3 stars back to back to back. Now, they're stuck with a diminishing skills and oft injured sensitive weirdo of a QB who limits their ability to improve the team (as if they could without his contract hanging like an albatross)

If we had a real media guy in Green Bay maybe we could get to the bottom of who leaked that and what the real truth is. It doesn't square with what Magic Mark said during presser.

It's also incredibly intriguing as to why the Packers responded to this story. That is not the Packers way to respond to stories such as these. There's something there in that they did respond. I'm wondering if it has to do with the fact Aaron is showing up in a few days and when asked about this phone call he's going to completely deny it happened taking away this image created that Murphy set him straight and is in control. Aaron would love nothing more than to shatter that false perception and the Packers may fear the fallout so they wanted to be proactive in fear of what Aaron might say about it.

1 points
1
0
Skip greenBayless's picture

April 06, 2019 at 12:41 am

I was also a fan of trading Rodgers while he still had top skills. Those days are gone now. They had to trade Rodgers prior to Dorsey showing up. Dorsey would not be suckered into that trade. He's too smart. I thought maybe Oakland. They would be dumb enough to do it.

It's going to get interesting watching how Rodgers handles the negative press that has come out recently. His corporate squeeky clean Richie Cunningham image must be protected at all costs. It's going to get tested this season. He wanted MM gone and now it's all on him. Watching the power struggles between Murphy, Lafleur and Rodgers is going to be fun and very entertaining. Of course it's going to come at a high cost.

By the way, excellent stuff today Kirk. Pulitzer winning writing going on with you. I am sure I speak for most when I say welcome back. Keep up the good work.

Dash

-3 points
1
4
bjkdad44's picture

April 05, 2019 at 05:43 pm

Kind of like the present potus?

-1 points
0
1
Since'61's picture

April 05, 2019 at 03:43 pm

Don’t feel sorry for me. I’m getting ready to retire later this year and my grandchildren will be arriving for the weekend in about an hour. It can’t get any better for me.

As for this nonsense with the Packers, “this too shall pass.”
In fact it already has. Dunne is just trying to stay relevant during the off season. He is getting his 15 minutes of fame for now, then poof! He’ll be gone.

The only story that matters is what happens on the field. The rest is window dressing and fodder for the media including our blog. Thanks, Since ‘61

5 points
6
1
shmelbs's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:14 am

I read your post after I shared my own post, Since 61. I agree with you 100%.

3 points
4
1
Since'61's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:11 am

Thanks shmelbs - Since '61

0 points
1
1
SanLobo's picture

April 05, 2019 at 09:50 am

When I see this kind of “hit piece” article I always ask myself who benefits from this? There are too many other players coming out in defense of both Mike and Aaron. I take it with a grain of salt.

4 points
5
1
shmelbs's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:06 am

Ty Dunne's article is definitely entertaining. There are a lot of opinions, conjecture, and rumor that are excellent fodder for discussion, but in the end, it's just that--entertaining opinions, conjectures, and rumors. But for me, it's also off-putting and mildly offensive.

At best, Dunne's article is bad journalism; at worst, it's lurid sensationalism. His frequently-cited sources such as Jennings and Finley aren't entirely credible, as they've shown in previous interviews, etc. The former-friend-who-is-now-cut-out-forever clearly has reason for a strong bias. I respect the right of anyone to request anonymity, but the consequence is that their reports are also automatically questionable. Ryan Grant is pretty even-keeled in the article, but maybe he has personal reasons for adopting that stance. James Jones and others have offered their own opinions, post-publication, but why weren't some of those longstanding players interviewed? They don't seem shy about offering their opinions.

In the end, we don't know and probably won't ever know all the facts about Rodgers, McCarthy, and their relationship. So why did Dunne write the article? Clickbait? Self-promotion? I don't know. I appreciate that Dunne attempted to explore both sides of the Rodgers/McCarthy relationship, but the exploration on both sides is constructed mostly of opinion and rumor.

But if Dunne had some altruistic motivation for writing this (and I don't know what that would be), it seems misguided, because his article will only serve to be divisive for Packers fans. Fans who already have strongly held beliefs about Rodgers, McCarthy, and their relationship will read Dunne's article and simply locate more "evidence" for their preconceived beliefs and entrench themselves more firmly in those beliefs. I'm all for open debate and constructive argument if it's fair, objective, and civil, and if it progresses understanding in meaningful ways. This article won't promote any of that.

Ultimately, I don't know why Dunne wrote this, but he certainly isn't shining a journalistic light of truth on his subject. Again, it's interesting and entertaining to discuss, but I would leave it at that. Why add fuel to a fire that's already gone out? It wasn't even a fire, it was a funeral pyre.

Gutekunst and LaFleur are building something new; that seems more worthy of attention and discussion.

5 points
7
2
scullyitsme's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:33 am

I agree mostly but

“I'm all for open debate and constructive argument if it's fair, objective, and civil, and if it progresses understanding in meaningful ways. “

Wow I think you might be in the wrong place. Unfortunately, this is the land( comment section) of absolutes and mostly but not all, negativity. I at least, salute you for your reason.

3 points
3
0
shmelbs's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:38 am

I expect the comments section here to be full of strong opinions, etc. That's what we're here for, and that's totally cool with me. I don't expect professional journalists to publish articles built on conjecture, rumor, etc., though.

4 points
4
0
Since'61's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:13 am

Agreed. Thanks, Since '61

2 points
2
0
Mojo's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:14 am

It's always bugged me when the opinions of former players such as Jennings and Finley are dismissed because, if there's a critical nature to any of their comments, it must mean they hold a grudge.

Why can't it be they're recalling, according to their perspective, certain aspects of their time in GB. For all I know they like Rodgers except for the way they perceived he treated them in certain situations.

It must be that fans understand that the team stars best determine the outcome of any season. It's best to see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, than dare give credence to anything that might undermine blissful ignorance.

-2 points
0
2
shmelbs's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:48 am

Mojo, I can only speak for myself, but I don't dismiss comments from players like Jennings, Finley, etc. because they're critical. I also don't automatically accept the opinions of players like James Jones and Ryan Grant just because they seem supportive. They're all just opinions; I take them all, positive and negative, with a healthy grain of salt.

3 points
3
0
scullyitsme's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:17 am

As you can tell from my screen name I love unnamed sources, but you have to be wary with them. Dunne could of just drove over to Cleveland for most of those remarks. Also even I think that...a player heard it from another player who had the same massage therapist, that let it slip...is a little ridiculous to print. Even if I’m sure they believe what they are saying. The article also said players thought McCarthy quit on the team. He doesn’t have that personality, I don’t believe that for a second. I’m glad he’s gone, but he wasn’t a monster, just didn’t evolve with the times and his personal.

3 points
3
0
shmelbs's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:35 am

I also wonder about the timing of Dunne's article, coming off the heels of McCarthy's interview with Demovsky. A little too well-timed?

What I'm saying is it could be a government conspiracy, scullyitsme ;) Now it's a matter of identifying the alien masquerading as a human.

3 points
3
0
RCPackerFan's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:48 am

Actually I wonder more about the timing of Demovsky's article with McCarthy. I am assuming with the amount of people that Dunne spoke with, the word got out that something was going to be coming out. So I'm wondering if McCarthy caught wind and wanted to get something from his side out there ahead of time.

4 points
4
0
shmelbs's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:19 pm

Interesting point, RCP! But we'll never know. Especially if there are aliens involved.

2 points
2
0
scullyitsme's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Not “if”, but how.

2 points
2
0
shmelbs's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:13 pm

How could aliens be involved? Probably not through mind control of the Packers administration, unless the aliens are limited in their knowledge of us right now.

As evidence, keep in mind what a shuddering Kodos said upon seeing Homer Simpson's bare butt: "We've reached the limits of what we can learn through anal probing." (Or was that Kang?) So who knows what the aliens know or are capable of.

I'm surprised Dunne didn't pursue this line of inquiry in his article. I mean that in...wait for it...hindsight.

2 points
2
0
PeteK's picture

April 06, 2019 at 11:15 pm

Good article because of its balance and specifics of blame. Reminds me of how the main culprit was the D and how we never got over the Seattle debacle. Going forward, I'm glad we improved the defense and need to add blocking . There is too much pressure on Rogers and Lafleur right now. However, being able to run the ball very well and a very solid D can create balance which can certainly release some pressure.

-2 points
0
2
scullyitsme's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:09 am

Another thing that everyone and the article rip on Rodgers for that bothers me, is the quote by jennings during the 49er game. I’m running short routes because “it’s a contract year, you know how it is?”. I’d be pissed off if I was Rodgers also. Trying to win a game and that’s your answer? I’d tell him to get lost. If your playing with that attitude I wouldn’t want him back either, Just my opinion. Seems like everyone should be ripping Jennings and praising Rodgers for leading on that one.

6 points
6
0
RCPackerFan's picture

April 05, 2019 at 11:46 am

On Wilde & Tausche they were talking about how during that year before this game the locker room knew that Jennings told Packers to not come talk to him until they offered him $15 million a year. They had offered him 12 million a year and turned it down.

So if you're Rodgers, and you know he turned down a good contract, and told them to not talk to him until he got that much, then he sees Jennings having a conversation with the other team, wouldn't that piss anyone off?

There are always different sides to every story. The problem is we are only hearing Jennings version. Which maybe 100% true, maybe 75% true, maybe 50% true, maybe 25% true... We really don't know.

Same with the entire article. yeah there are sources that said this or that. But that is their versions of the stories being said. Does it mean its 100% the truth? We have no idea. None of us were there.

4 points
4
0
stockholder's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:01 pm

Rodgers is going to have a good year. He doesn't need anybody to defend him. James jones and any ex -packer are history. So is MM. Whatever Rodgers reasoning was. It doesn't matter. He's had personal problems. (Family etc.) The press can be hounding. Rodgers responsibility now is to perform as in the past. His final years must not, "Hold down this team". He must put everything behind him. And we as fans must too. His reaction must show he's the same person, leader, and still has the ability. The dream is to go to the super-bowl. Not break hearts. He's got to show that he's still the player that can make it happen.

1 points
1
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:29 pm

MM is a football guy and I thought showed some leadership early on, but we all knew he wasn't the brightest bulb. He was also either oblivious or stupid with regard to the defense. Retaining Dom who was a disaster for years was inexcusable. Special teams were anything but. TT was being praised as HOF worthy when in fact he was playing with half a deck by refusing to sign free agents. That left Rodgers to carry the team and he did. We saw QB play no one had ever imagined before. TD to intercept percentage that was unheard of. Throws no one had ever seen, not from Favre or any of the other GOAT pretenders. He was elevated to Olympus and we all agreed the G-ds there would surely accept him into their ranks. He replaced a legend and was even better. And he WAS a leader. The men who played with him when he was full in his greatness all wanted to share in the glory and did. We saw their excitement every time he willed and played them to victory. And now... he's a dick? If he is, maybe we can understand why. He knew before anyone else that he had a coach who didn't have the brain cells to help him out. A GM sleeping on the job. A defensive coordinator spending more time trying to find the perfect wig and less learning how to adjust to modern offenses. A front office that was cashing in on his greatness. And it finally was too much. The clock is ticking and he knows that for his legacy he has to win without help from a buffoon and the D and the front office. So he went there. He may have become a dick, but his will to win is what pushed him there. I'm on the Rodgers bandwagon. I believe his greatness is not only in his talent but his drive. I'm hoping that the new GM and head coach realize this and don't put too many obstacles in his way. I hope they help a great QB be great again.

2 points
4
2
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:00 pm

Johnny,
Good job! I agree with you!

0 points
0
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:23 pm

Thanks Knock, Just want more Packer fans to agree that we all reveled in Rodger's greatness and now some of the Packer family sounds too much like Bear fans. Yes, there were problems, what team doesn't have them?... but ours at least involve maybe the greatest QB of all time and the future looks bright.

0 points
1
1
ILPackerBacker's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:31 pm

There are a lot people thinking how clever they are in parroting the likes of Jones etc.

Instead of patting themselves on the back they should engage their brains and ask ...

WHEN WAS THAT GUY PLAYING?

Few complain about being on a dominant team winning it all.

But a guy like GRANT? of ESB? How can their comments and reactions be shot down?

I guess if OJ runs through the airport and is nice to old white women he can't be a butcher. Likewise the carpet bagging murphy has to be competent because ...super bowl

0 points
2
2
ILPackerBacker's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Rodgers stepped INTO an established offense. With veterans who KNEW the system. Who had experience. It is not like it was a simple or easy transition. First year starter Rodgers struggled, the team struggled. Did not look good.

Rodgers was not expected to make it work with rookie WRs then. He had a real TE. He was the new kid worked into a system the rest of the starters knew.

Nothing about that experience is similar to ESB coming in raw. Jones' view on this has little significance to what was happening in GB the last few years. Not a hit on Jones who was a great packer, tough and fearless. But AGAIN he was not there and the times had completely changed.

1 points
1
0
ILPackerBacker's picture

April 05, 2019 at 12:36 pm

JOHN KIRK

give up your day job and start writing
so much drivel and drool make into media on the packers
most of it is pointless and brown nosing
It is really great to read interesting, rational and thought out pieces
write more

-6 points
2
8
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:07 pm

Interesting editorial pieces, articles, fan interaction/posts as it explains a lot of what I have often wondered about for the past 4-5 years. Some of it no doubt true while some not or just fake news. I do think Rodgers needs to have some type of PR comment in response. Certainly he will not go into depth but do think his PR expert will encourage some type of comment. We will never know all the true details or at least not for years down the road until after retirement and a NY Times best seller is written by Rodgers himself.

What this all points out to me is that TT should never have been in charge, or at the very least should have been replaced years ago once it was obvious his health was preventing him from successfully performing his position. A question I have is didn't Murphy have an end of season meeting/review with TT? Surely he did and Murphy did nothing year after year? Whose fault is all this? Even if there is 'only a little' truth to Dunne's article most everyone would agree TT and Mark Murphy completely screwed up and neither were competent. If TT was as bad as he was made out MM and the front office should certainly been talking to Murphy....right? Murphy could not have been oblivious to TT's declining health and success. The whole organization failed when it came to TT because instead of dealing with it they allowed things to continue to deteriorate.

Furthermore, if Rodgers felt MM was a poor coach with a low football IQ and was hurting the team he certainly should have gone to TT and most likely Murphy eventually during his 13-years with the Packers to share his concerns right? Who dropped the ball here? Right about here I somehow get thinking about Van Pelt. What role did Van Pelt play and could he have been one of the unnamed sources due to his relationship with Rodgers?

I really do not know John Kirk's motives (a guess would be he is one of the writers covering the Packers in my opinion. Someone like a Silverstein or a McGinn type). He is an interesting read in many ways but I completely agree with him about Murphy. The buck always stops at the top and it appears pretty blatant that Murphy truly screwed up year after year for allowing a toxic culture to fester. If only a portion of what has been written is true Murphy and TT should have gotten the axe years ago. The Executive Management Committee certainly cannot be appreciating everything that is now coming out and being made public. Did they know about all of this previously or has this information been suppressed because of Murphy being their contact? This could make for some interesting interaction between Murphy and the Committee.

However delinquent Murphy was to lead the football side of the operations I do appreciate Murphy finally being assertive and acting strongly. I like everything that has been happening since TT, and MM's firings.

No matter what Rodgers (whether he is as described by some or not) he has to be a team player and he absolutely needs to work with LF, Haskins, etc. All eyes will be on him now both inside the locker room, in the huddle, and off the field. If Rodgers pulls some of the stuff he is being accused of I guarantee players and even rookie's will now be emboldened to step up and confront Rodgers, and/or let it be known how Rodgers is behaving. Everything has now changed and Rodgers is no longer untouchable. Call me crazy and I have said this since LF's hiring but I feel confidant LF has everyone's backing all the way up to Murphy that should Rodgers not get on board the team train that LF has the backing and support to reprimand and sit Rodgers. Because I truly do not believe Rodgers is the problem that some have made him out to be I do not see any of this evolving.

I would very much like some reporter have a sit down interview with Jeff Janis one-on-one and discuss Rodgers and his relationship. This was one part of the Dunne story that was upsetting to me if true and someone needs to perform that story. Janis is a good person and if Janis was to share Rodgers treated him like hinted at in the Dunne story I would lose a ton of respect for Rodgers. Someone....follow-up with Janis! Get the scoop!!!

2 points
3
1
shmelbs's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:17 pm

Personally, I was hoping that Jennings would reveal what he said to Rodgers at the end of that Vikings game when they were hugging uncomfortably.

1 points
1
0
Jonathan Spader's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:55 pm

Jennings: "Aaron without you my stats are terrible *sobs*"

Rodgers: "I know buddy I know Vikings suck *drinks grape soda*"

1 points
2
1
ILPackerBacker's picture

April 05, 2019 at 01:00 pm

Great post knocktnooy

Murphy said, himself, that before letting ted upstairs that he (mm) went to review a few draft/player evaluations. If I recall correctly he only said he did 3. THREE. Over a decade.

It starts at the top. Everyone who pointed out the MM extorted Murphy into not hiring Ball as GM was right. the fact that it was better for the team in the long run is a fortunate by product.

Pretty clearly Ball has been fingered as the dip sh## who let hyde/peppers etc leave without offers.

but again, the top man was murphy and no football man could have looked at those guys and said "No OFFER makes sense". Did we have money for them and for Tretter too?

Yes we did

-1 points
1
2
dfarmer's picture

April 05, 2019 at 04:02 pm

Think about it... does the OC call the shots on draft day? I can understand AR's frustration with a gradeschool offensebut this is BS. A low talent writer gets bits and pieces of truth, blows them up into a story and we swallow it??? Anyone wonder why he USED to cover the packers???

3 points
3
0
John Kirk's picture

April 05, 2019 at 05:19 pm

Think about it? Don't have to. This story has been out forever. McCarthy addressed this years ago.

Rodgers would chide Mike about liking Smith over him. McCarthy said he thought Alex was the better QB. Aaron doesn't forget and brought it up to him when they met.

Aaron also wore his 49'ers colored tie on draft day believing the Niners were going to draft him. He wanted desperately to be 1st overall but even more to follow in the footsteps of his idols Young and Montana. McCarthy's opinion of Smith vs. him built perception with Aaron that MM cost him his dream.

None of this is new. You have to be outside of the Packers bubble and want to know things about your team that aren't fed to you from the locals. I kid you not, if you just listen to local media you will be one misinformed fan who really struggles to make sense of a piece like Dunne's. You've been lied to for so long and told how wonderful MM and TT were that you don't really know the team you follow that well outside of the puff n fluff you get from local media.

-4 points
3
7
Irish_Cheesehead's picture

April 05, 2019 at 04:07 pm

Jennings is a bitter ex-diva whose career tanked after he left Green Bay. I’m sure he was looking forward to rubbing it in their faces except he found he wasn’t much of a talent outside the system and without Rodgers under center. Sad he just can’t seem to move on.

2 points
2
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

April 05, 2019 at 04:37 pm

He may be bitter but you can't say he wasn't much of a talent. He was damn good.

-1 points
1
2
4thand1's picture

April 05, 2019 at 05:19 pm

In GB

1 points
1
0
Lare's picture

April 05, 2019 at 07:16 pm

......with Rodgers throwing to him.

0 points
0
0
Adorabelle's picture

April 05, 2019 at 06:35 pm

I am a little unclear on why there is all this hand wringing over this article. People have been talking for ten years or so that Aaron Rodgers is temperamental and likes to throw to his guys. This is just more of that. Any new receivers coming to Green Bay should be well aware of this trend if they are paying any attention at all and should be carrying Mr. Rodgers clipboard for him every chance they get.

Now we have the words from two ex receivers of the team. Greg Jennings : By the time Mr. Jennings left Green Bay, his quarterback does not appear to want him any more and seems almost glad he is gone. So Mr. Jennings says bad things about Green Bay and Mr. Rodgers every chance he gets.
James Jones: Mr. Jones was a receiver of average ability that Mr. Rodgers came to rely on and use. And because Mr. Rodgers throws to his favorites he can trust, he made Mr. Jones look good many times. Mr. Rodgers liked him so much they went out and brought him back after he had left the team. He remains a good friend of Mr. Rodgers and says good things about him every chance he gets.
Is there a deeper mystery here I don't get.

3 points
3
0
Qoojo's picture

April 05, 2019 at 06:45 pm

Ah, the offseason soap opera continues, "As the football bounces"

In our last episode, Mr Rodgers felt ever so slighted, while Mr. Jennings can't stop feeling disrespected. While team anxiously waited in meeting room, McCarthy had just left to receive secret massages....will they turn out to be massages like Kraft gets? Stay tuned!

3 points
3
0
dobber's picture

April 05, 2019 at 06:58 pm

I hope this episode doesn't have a happy ending...

2 points
2
0
Lare's picture

April 05, 2019 at 07:09 pm

I'm sure McCarthy's wife would agree.

2 points
3
1
Since'61's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:32 pm

Cookie! Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

April 05, 2019 at 10:36 pm

Too funny!

0 points
0
0
Bear's picture

April 05, 2019 at 08:18 pm

Welcome to the Society of tearing everything down.

1 points
2
1