Shanoff's W.U.C.: Fans Launch 'Favre Revolt'

Today's Calls: Brett Favre vs. the rest of us, Vikings fans vs. Packers fans, Tom Cable vs. the NFL, Tebow vs. McBradford, Joe Mauer vs. Mark Teixeira, John Smoltz vs. Cards Nation, and more.

The Opening Pitch: What is bigger — Brett Favre's return or the Brett Favre backlash?

It was a full-on fan revolt yesterday — it felt like Favre tilted Twitter (even if, most notably, fans kept spelling it "Farve.")

The only folks seemingly pleased with the re-re-return of Favre were Vikings fans (and even they were kind of torn).

But Packers fans? You’ll find anything from miffed to dismayed. (And probably not appreciating Favre saying, among other things, that "if you're true Packer fans, you understand.")

His one attempt to soften us up — citing his 10-year-old daughter asking him to win another Super Bowl — also smacked of weird opportunism that used his kid as a human shield from the critics.

As for the rest of us? Well, even though we all saw this coming a mile away — the minute he said he wasn't coming back, frankly — it was still jarring to hear that, yes, indeed, Favre was bringing his INT-throwing, Wrangler-wearing, me-me-me-living carnival back to the NFL.

Ugh: Any chance we can go back to ignoring him now? No?

TSB: Can we all at least recognize that the guy is turning 40 in October; that he can't possibly be in "NFL shape"; that his final few games with the Jets were classic "Bad Favre"; that he remains a gun-slinging pick machine in a league that has moved past him.

Fantasy Implications: Is he a solid backup? Or someone you want to back away from? And what if you oppose drafting Favre on moral grounds that you loathe him? (That said: If I really want to draft Percy Harvin, I am essentially quasi-drafting Favre. Now THAT is a quandary.)

Like Mike Vick's return last Friday, the Favre thing basically obliterated every other story line in sports yesterday and into today. We shall try our best ...

NFL Preseason: Rex Ryan says exactly what you would want a coach in the AFC East to say about Bill Belichick. "I'm not intimidated by him."

Memo to Raiders coach Tom Cable: Remember the first rule of scandal management — it's always the cover-up that gets you. If you punched the guy, 'fess up to it, because if you lie about it (especially to the league), you will get in a lot more trouble when the truth inevitably comes out.

Vick Watch: It would be fun to see Vick on the sidelines with the Eagles against the Colts — but he will be staying in Philly. (Vick talk? Pfft: That's so LAST week.)

CFB Preseason All-America team: Yes, Tim Tebow is the 1st-team QB ahead of Bradford and McCoy, but the Big 12 leads all conferences with eight players to the SEC's seven. Still: The two leagues account for 15 of the 26 slots.

Another Tennessee Scandal: Is highly touted (or is that "tainted?") freshman RB Bryce Brown ineligible? The NCAA is looking into it. Based on the stories circulating about him before he signed with Tennessee, how could Lane Kiffin NOT have seen this coming?

MLB Talking Points

— This is very simple: Joe Mauer for AL MVP

— NLCS preview? Cards lose to Dodgers

— Speaking of Cards: Close to landing Smoltz?

— Moyer: Can you have a quality start out of the 'pen? Yes.

— Fantasy Stud: Ricky Nolasco (CG 3-hitter w/ 10 Ks)

Strasburg Watch: He might — might — pitch this season. And if the team wants to start recouping their $14.1 mil, they may want to spice up some of their why-would-anyone-show-up late-September games with Strasburg pitching an inning or two of relief (if only so they can monetize him a few times).

Meanwhile, hey Nats GM Mike Rizzo! Way to go to seal the deal with Strasburg. Your reward? There's the door.

NBA Offseason: Allen Iverson on the Knicks? Yes, please! (And would someone PLEASE sign Jason Williams? Orlando, Knicks, whoever. Does he look THAT bad?)

CBB: If you're talking about the 2010 NBA Draft, you only need two words: John. Wall.

Wake-Up Call Book Club: Check out the excerpt from "Football Fan's Manifesto" by my Sporting Blog colleague Michael Tunison — then go get the book, which is really good and very funny.

The Last Word: As usual, the last word goes to Chad Ochocinco:

"Retiring and coming back is my new celebration, the only thing I can do and not get fined for!!!! After every touchdown I'm calling it quits"

Dan Shanoff writes The Wake-Up Call every weekday morning for SportingNews.com and blogs daily at DanShanoff.com. Got any comments, questions or feedback? Email Dan at shanofftsn-[at]-gmail-[dot]-com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/danshanoff.

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