Driver Back, Jones Impresses, Bubba Redux

News out of Packers training camp (Reader's Digest version...RD is a registered trademark of...well, look it up):

• WR Donald Driver was cleared by the team docs to resume practice. He had failed his physical because of a shoulder problem going back to last season. Apparently, problem is now resolved or otherwise managed. Driver returned to practice and began doing what he does best: catching passes and providing leadership to the rest of the receivers.


• Rookie WR James Jones is making a great impression at camp, catching everything in sight. In the first seasonal edition of the televised Mike McCarthy Show, a fan who had attended several days of practice gave the coach his favorable impressions of Jones and asked what the coach thought about his newest receiver. McCarthy told the fan he agreed totally with his assessment. But he also acknowledged that these are practices and it remains to be seen what can be done in actual game situations. Still, if last year's rookie sensation, Greg Jennings, is able to pick up where he left off and Jones is also the real deal, the Pack could have a dynamite 1-2-3 receiving group. There's a good article about Jones here.


• Bubba Franks is looking to be the Bubba of old. That would be as opposed to just an old Bubba. After being hurt in 2005 and having a horrible 2006 season, Bubba changed his diet and workout regimen to better fit the Packers' zone blocking scheme. He had bulked up to provide extra blocking ability in the pre-McCarthy days; now, he will be asked to do less of that in this new scheme. He reported lighter and leaner than in past years. While Bubba will never be one to stretch the field, it would be nice if he would at least return to being the reliable set of hands he once was, especially in the red zone where the Pack had problems last year.

It will likely be a quiet day today. It's a designated off day in the training camp schedule.

Training camp starts off...not so good

Let's see...in the first few days of training camp the Packers lose one of their tight ends (Tory Humphrey) for an undetermined amount of time -- perhaps the entire season -- with a fractured fibula, lose their nominal starting running back (Vernand Morency) for perhaps two to four weeks with an undisclosed knee injury, have their Pro Bowl #1 receiver (Donald Driver) fail his physical with a lingering shoulder injury, and have their QB (that would be Brett) experience yet another family loss -- his wife's stepfather died suddenly Saturday. Can you say, "Aaaaarrrrghhh!"?

Brett and his wife's stepfather, Rocky Byrd, had become very close over the past 10 years or so, according to reports. For Brett to receive the news of Byrd's sudden heart attack at age 56 had to resurface memories of his own father's death in 2003. There is an excellent and revealing article about all this at packersnews.com. You can find it here.

Over the weekend practices, with the injury to Humphrey and a few other unusual circumstances with the tight end corps, there actually were times when the offense had no tight ends to work with. Oh boy. The only silver lining to Morency's injury is it is giving the Packers extended looks at the other backs on the roster. And with Brett having to return to Mississippi to deal with Byrd's death, backup QB Aaron Rodgers is making the most of his opportunities. Media reports indicated that his throws and reads both looked sharp yesterday.

On another front, there's an interesting article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel about "KGB" and his new role as a designated pass rusher rather than starting defensive end. Check it out here.

Driver fails physical...other first practice problems

Starting wide receiver Donald Driver failed his physical today with a shoulder injury that goes back to last season. Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolly and DeShawn Wynn were on the non-football injury list, with Pickett and Jolly being out of condition...Coach McCarthy was not happy.

According to a report at PackerNews.com, tight end Tory Humphrey, who was hurt during practice, has an ankle injury and was taken for X-rays. WTMJ-4 TV out of Milwaukee was also reporting that running back Vernand Morency tweaked a knee...no further info about that injury is currently available.

On the positive side of things, rookie defensive lineman Justin Harrell did practice after being cleared by team doctors, although veteran Corey Williams worked with the first unit. And QB Brett Favre reportedly looked sharp in his first time back at the helm. Sure nice to be able to utter that name again, isn't it?

Harrell: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

As GM Ted Thompson predicted mid-week, all his draft picks would be signed in time for the start of training camp today. With last night's signing of first round draft pick Justin Harrell, Thompson made good on his prediction.

According to a report in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel citing NFL sources, Harrell agreed to a five-year contract worth between $14.5 million and $15 million with all incentives included. Harrell will receive around $8 million in guaranteed money.

It is still not clear, however, whether team doctors will clear Harrell for full participation in camp. They want to make sure that his surgically repaired left biceps tendon is healed sufficiently before exposing him to contact. Given that they held Harrell out of all drills except individual ones during minicamps and OTAs so he'd be ready for the first day of camp, reports speculate that there's a good chance he'll be given the go-ahead today.

So, everyone's present and accounted for. Let the games -- er, the practices -- begin!

...And the starters are...

We're just on the eve of training camp and already the starting lineup is in place. At least it is in the form of an "unofficial" depth chart approved by Coach Mike McCarthy and release to the media today. Two items of note: first round draft pick Justin Harrell is listed as the starter on the defensive line ahead of Corey Williams, who had a bit of a break out year last season; secondly, Donald Lee is listed as the starting tight end ahead of Bubba Franks who had an admittedly dismal 2006 season.

Here is the depth chart as it was released today:
OFFENSE
WR Greg Jennings, LT Chad Clifton, LG Daryn Colledge, C Scott Wells, RG Jason Spitz, RT Mark Tauscher, TE Donald Lee, WR Donald Driver, QB Brett Favre, RB Vernand Morency, FB Brandon Miree.

DEFENSE
LE Aaron Kampman, LDT Ryan Pickett, RDT Justin Harrell, RE Cullen Jenkins, SLB Brady Poppinga, MLB Nick Barnett, WLB A.J. Hawk, LCB Charles Woodson, RCB Al Harris, SS Marquand Manuel, FS Nick Collins.

SPECIAL TEAMS
K Dave Rayner, P Jon Ryan, PR Charles Woodson, KR Vernand Morency, LS Rob Davis.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
WR Ruvell Martin, LT Orrin Thompson, LG Allen Barbre, C Tyson Walter, RG Junius Coston, RT Tony Moll, TE Bubba Franks, WR Robert Ferguson, QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Brandon Jackson, FB Ryan Powdrell.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
LE Michael Montgomery, LDT Corey Williams, RDT Colin Cole, RE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, SLB Spencer Havner, MLB Abdul Hodge, WLB Tracy White, LCB Patrick Dendy, RCB Jarrett Bush, SS Atari Bigby, FS Aaron Rouse.

While Vernand Morency is listed as the starting running back, reports have McCarthy indicating he really doesn't have a preference as to whether there is a featured back or running back by committee; what he wants is production. Hard to argue with that logic. Although one hopes that eventually a dominant back does emerge from the young group on the roster.

One is the loneliest number...

As noted in yesterday's post, the signing of third round pick James Jones had to happen in short fashion as the second round pick, Brandon Jackson, had already signed. And so...Jones is now signed. According to reports, Jones agreed to a four-year deal loaded with incentives in the last year of the contract.

That leaves first round pick, #16 overall in the draft, Justin Harrell, as the only unsigned draft pick. News reports indicate that signings of first rounders across the league have been slow, with only 11 of 32 picks under contract at the time of this post. Still, it is expected that the Packers will get the deal done with Harrell soon. GM Ted Thompson was quoted as saying he thought all picks would be in camp for the first practice tomorrow afternoon. So, watch for further developments today and tomorrow.

And Now There Are Two...

All 2007 draft picks by the Packers are signed except for first rounder Justin Harrell and third rounder James Jones. Given that second round pick Brandon Jackson signed yesterday, one would think that Jones would soon sign a deal. According to an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, GM Ted Thompson expects both Jones and Harrell to be signed before the start of camp at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The article also contains lots of tidbits about the annual shareholder's meeting and other news surrounding the Pack. One important piece of info was delivered by the team Treasurer, Larry Weyers: Packers' net operating income was up 22 percent this past fiscal year ending March 31. A large portion of this increase is due to the refurbished Lambeau Field and the 365-day-a-year income it is now able to generate. It is and will be one of the keys to keeping the Packers viable in the NFL.

Search for Harlan's Successor
Another article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reveals a great deal about the approach the search committee is using in finding the successor to Packers' President Bob Harlan following the parting of ways with the one-time heir apparent John Jones. It could well be argued that this position is the most important one in the Packers' organization. After all, the President hires the GM who makes the draft picks and other key personnel decisions, including the hiring/firing of the head coach. For the first time ever, the team is using a search firm to assist in the process. They have a number of candidates under consideration, including a few currently in-house. But team officials stress they want to find the best person available to ensure the ongoing success of the Packers. If you want to learn a bit more about the process and some of the possible candidates, go here.

Bits & Pieces

Nothing of major importance to report today. Just bits and pieces...this and that...miscellaneous stuff...you get the idea.

Brooks & Butler in PHoF
Packer greats Robert Brooks and LeRoy Butler took their place alongside other Packer luminaries when they were formally inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame on Saturday evening. Both earned their spots with years of dedication to the team, on and off the field, and exceptional play. (Despite rumors to the contrary, Butler did not earn his place in the Hall for inventing "The Lambeau Leap.") You can read a nice article about Butler here.

Training Camp at "City Stadium"
For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Packers will practice at "City Stadium," the team's former home from 1925 through 1956, when they take to the field on Tuesday, July 31. The last time the team practiced there was Aug. 5, 1961, when the team held an intra-squad scrimmage. City Stadium is now the home football field for Green Bay East High School. But once upon a time, it saw the likes of such legendary Packer players as Don Hutson, Curly Lambeau, Arnie Herber, Tony Canadeo and Clarke Hinkle, among others. One hopes the young Packer players of today will appreciate and sense the history that surrounds them on that old field. It is anticipated that there will be a large crowd on hand for this historic one-of-a-kind practice session. You can read more here.

New Charity Cap Campaign
For the last few years, the Packers have teamed up with American Family Insurance in the creation of a special cap design from which a portion of the proceeds goes toward a designated charity. Over the last two years, the cap campaigns have raised nearly $1.5 million for charities fighting breast cancer and heart disease. This year, the goal is to raise money to support service men and women, veterans and their families. Cost of the cap -- a very nice black washed cotton design -- is $15, with $5 from each sale going towards the charity effort. You can learn more about the cap campaign here. Or if you just want to cut to the chase and order your cap now, go here.

That's all for now. Over and out...

We're Ba-a-a-a-a-ck!

For all those Packer fans anxiously awaiting our return from a brief time away, let the rejoicing begin! For everyone else who (a) either didn't know or (b) didn't care...can't say I blame you. It is summer, after all. But now...

There are only a few days before the annual Packers' shareholders meeting, and less than a week to go to the start of Packers' summer training camp. Woo-hoo! For those counting, there remain a mere 49 days to the season opener against the Eagles. Oh baby!

So, the postings here at PackerFansUnited.com will once again become more frequent with all the action at camp. But in the meantime, you can check out the Packers' own dedicated camp site (you can also find this site as part of the permanent "Links" area in the righthand column).

Hope you have enjoyed your summer. Now, Packer fans, it's time to start thinking football...our favorite time of the year!

As always, thanks for reading.

Hiatus

Packer Fans, just wanted to let you know that this blog -- and blogger -- will be on hiatus until about July 20. Then we'll all be set to gear up for the doings at summer training camp, the shareholders' meeting, pre-season games...oh baby, here it comes...and then the regular season! It's just around the corner, folks.

I hope you still keep checking back here during this break regardless of the lack of new posts from yours truly. The link and blog resources are always at your disposal, as are the updated and ongoing Packer headlines, and of course you may also wish to check out some of the organizations whose banners can be found toward the bottom of the righthand column. So, there are still things to keep you coming back...until I'm back. Until then...Go Pack Go!!!

Blog Changes

Just a quick note to let readers know that we are going to be experimenting with a new look for PackerFansUnited.com, beginning with our new logo. Thought it was about time to give us our own unique brand identity. Hope you like it. Other than that, we probably will try to keep things pretty much as they are...seems to work fairly well. If we can organize things better, or provide better content, we will do so. We want to keep you coming back.

This may also mean, while changes are being implemented, that things look a bit odd for a while...or maybe not at all. Who knows? It might also means some features are not present, or are missing while we get things tweaked. It may take a while to get some of the favorite links, etc. back in place. And if we don't like the new look, we may revert to the way things were. That old adage, "If it ain't broke don't fix it" keeps popping to mind. Hope this doesn't cause more problems than it's worth. Which means it probably will. But seeing as these are a bit of the slow times in terms of Packers news, etc., it's as good a time as any to start testing things out. So, please be patient.

And thanks for your continued readership!

Corey Dillon to the Pack?

The latest rumors start thusly: a former Packers personnel guy (i.e., George Koonce) mentions in a radio interview that the Pack could be adding a big-name offensive player sometime soon. No names mentioned. This then gets picked up on by ProFootballTalk.com's Rumor Mill section yesterday. Noting that there are just not that many big-name offensive players floating about right now, somehow the speculation started that the player could be former Patriots RB Corey Dillon, who was released by the Pats in March. At 32, Dillon is certainly on the downside of his career. Retirement can't be far off. Still, he did lead the Pats in rushing last year. Certainly has been a solid player through the years. But would the Packers make him their featured back? When the current running back depth chart includes Vernand Morency, Brandon Jackson, Noah Herron and DeShawn Wynn you have to believe anything is possible. An interesting possibility, if nothing but for a veteran presence among the youngsters. But it would also be surprising given the overall youth movement which is now prevailing on the Packers squad.

Stay tuned.

#4 at #14? Please.

Well this just isn't right. Brett Favre only the 14th best QB this coming season? Please. You must be joking. That's what Sports Illustrated (SI) football columnist Peter King has to say. He ranked all 32 NFL quarterbacks according to how good of a season he believes each will have this year...just this year. That does give him some wiggle room in what is a very wiggly room to begin with.

But here's who King says will have a better 2007 season than Brett, in order: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Carson Palmer, Marc Bulger, Matt Hasselbeck, Vince Young, Philip Rivers, Jon Kitna, Jay Cutler, Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb, and Steve McNair. Brett, in King's view, is one step ahead of Chad Pennington. OK, we can generally agree that SI does a great job with the swimsuit issue. But this ranking? Oh man. Somehow...not so good. Seriously, would anyone here take Kitna over Brett? Spare me. What about the youngsters? Young, Rivers, Cutler or Wisconsin's own Tony Romo? Maybe someday. But not this season.

Sorry, Mr. King. I'll stick with Brett. He'll win us some games throwing passes that no one else can throw. And he will probably lose a game or two also throwing some of those very same passes. In other words, same ol' Brett. I'll take him.

But you be the judge. Check out King's rankings and reasons for them here. On the other hand, if you'd place more credibility in the swimsuit issue, or at least prefer spending your time there, this link is for you.

Barnett's Bust Redux

More information about Packer linebacker Nick Barnett's arrest early Sunday morning has finally emerged. Turns out, according to police reports, he pushed a woman down inside the Appleton nightclub. That earlier event was uncovered when foot patrol police came upon Barnett and another individual arguing outside the club. The victim and some other witnesses provided the info necessary for police to arrest Barnett for battery. Whether or not this is an instance of over-reaction or not, time will tell.

Time will also tell whether or not this incident results in potentially even more serious consequences from the NFL. Given the well-documented problems of several NFL players over recent years, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell implemented a new conduct policy which doesn't leave much wiggle room for the players. And that's what has the Packers concerned. Depending upon how things in this case actually turn out, Barnett could be subject to suspension by the league. That would not be good.

Players need to be smarter in their off-field conduct then ever before. And for some that might be asking too much. Barnett is a player who should know better.

To read more about this incident and possible consequences, check out this article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Barnett Busted

620WTMJ radio in Milwaukee is reporting tonight that Packers linebacker Nick Barnett was arrested in Appleton, WI, Saturday night following an altercation in a nightclub.

WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee reported that Barnett was in Appleton to play in Brett Favre's charity softball tournament today. They said he was removed from the nightblub about 2 a.m. in handcuffs and charged with battery. He was later released. He did not play in the softball tournament.

The Packers released a brief statement essentially saying little until more facts are known.

Given that Barnett is one of the supposed leaders of the team, folks may have to re-think that one.

Stay tuned.

Freeman Signed -- to Retire

Remember Antonio Freeman? The guy with the fifth most catches in Packers history? The guy who played a good chunk of the 1996 championship with a cast on his broken left forearm? The guy who made that miraculous catch on his back, in the rain, on Monday Night Football at Lambeau in 2000 to win the game in overtime against the ViQueens? The guy most of us thought was already retired?

Yeah, that Antonio Freeman.

Freeman was last signed in 2004 by Miami but was released during training camp. Other than the Dolphins (no playing time) and playing for the Eagles in 2002 before one last year with the Pack in 2003, Freeman was always a Packer...is a Packer. And that's why he wanted to retire as one. The Packers signed Freeman yesterday to make that happen.

Freeman was not always the fastest receiver on the field, but he was one of the most sure-handed, reliable, and wiliest receivers the team has ever had, as evidenced by catching 431 passes in his eight years with the Pack, making him number five on the team's all-time receptions list. "Free" was also Brett Favre's favorite receiver during the mid-90s Super Bowl runs, and led the Packers in receiving from 1996-99.

Glad to have you back, "Free." Even if it is only so you can retire. Next stop for Freeman will be the Packers Hall of Fame, where he will then become part of a fine quintet of the Packers' all-time reception leaders along with Sterling Sharpe, James Lofton, Don Hutson and Boyd Dowler. Now that's fantasy football!

Favre Sore, Fullback Trials, OTAs Continue

As the optional organized team activities continue in Green Bay, the biggest news to report is that QB Brett Favre sat out yesterday's practice with a sore throwing shoulder. That news came from Brett himself who spoke with the media. He indicated that he thought it was probably tendinitis. He also said he learned his lesson a few years ago when he had a sore elbow, kept throwing anyway, and almost missed his start because of it. With age comes wisdom, Brett! Now, rest.

The other news from yesterday was that Brett was actually late for the first practice session. He had a good excuse, though: Coach Mike McCarthy was reviewing new plays with him and must have lost track of the time...or just decided it was important enough to do that review, especially since he knew Brett would be sitting out anyway. McCarthy told the media that he didn't think he used Brett as well as he could have last year, indicating that generating more movement in the pocket was something he probably should have done, and would be doing this year. So look for plays that are designed to move Brett around...intentionally...we all know that he can do that very well on his own. Now they are going to apparently design these schemes to utilize Brett's ability to make plays on the move. Given the changes and questions about the backfield, that's probably a good thing.

Speaking of backfield (subtle segue, eh?), we all know that the solid and long-time combination of William Henderson opening holes for Ahman Green is gone, Green to Houston and Henderson to retirement. While much of the focus has been on who will replace Green, no less important is who will replace Henderson, a player renowned for his work ethic and reliability. Brandon Miree was the newcomer last year who unseated Henderson until an elbow injury returned the starting job to Henderson. Miree was solid, if not spectacular. Now a third-year pro, Miree has the advantage of working in a zone blocking scheme his entire pro career, first with Denver and last year with the Packers. Other candidates are playing catch up in that effort, and all are rookies. Korey Hall, whom the Packers are trying to convert from linebacker, is one of the possibilities. He was a special teams demon at Boise State and the Packers are having him practice with all those units as well. Combine that with having to learn a new position, a new stance, etc., and Hall has his work cut out for him. But according to reports, the Packers like what they see from him so far. Other candidates include draftee Ryan Powdrell, who was rotating in the second- and third-string offense, and free-agent signee Corey White.

Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game

If you aren't doing anything special this Sunday -- Father's Day -- and just happen to be in the neighborhood of Appleton, WI, drop in at Fox Cities Stadium for the Eighth Annual Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game. It starts at high noon. As noted on the official site, "The event will feature Brett Favre and members of the Green Bay Packers. The annual game traditionally matches the Packers offense against the Packers defense. All proceeds will benefit the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation, whose mission is to provide aid to disadvantaged or disabled children residing in Wisconsin and Mississippi." This is one of the major fundraising events for Brett's foundation. And, as retirement looms, you wonder how many more of these events there will be, particularly in Wisconsin once Brett retires back to Mississippi. Take advantage of these opportunities if you can.

Blasts from the Past: Podcasts with Lombardi Legends

The 37th Annual Vince Lombardi Golf Classic tournament is taking place this weekend in Milwaukee...well, Menomonee Falls actually, a Milwaukee suburb. And it is one of the best places to see a lot of former Packers and other NFL and sports celebrities gathered together. Inevitably, stories turn to days of yore. After all, this is a tournament in honor of The Coach himself. Some stories relate to today, as well. On occasion, a microphone is nearby and we get to listen in.

We are treated to two such episodes in the form of podcasts courtesy of 620WTMJ radio in Milwaukee. Sports poobah (and did you know that the term "poobah" originated in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado?), Bill Michaels, landed both interviews.

One compelling conversation is with Packers great Jerry Kramer, one of the best guards to ever play the game and who is still not in the Hall of Fame...but that's a whole other topic. In this interview, Kramer talks about his fight for better pensions and treatment of former NFL players. He has created an organization dedicated to this effort called Gridiron Greats which, by the way you can find in the Links area of PackerFansUnited.com. You can listen to this podcast by clicking here.

Michaels also hosted a one-of-a-kind roundtable discussion with a group of Packers who played in the Ice Bowl 40 years ago: Bart Starr, Jerry Kramer, Max McGee, Bob Jeter and Zeke Bratkowski. WTMJ's Jay Sorgi also helped facilitate things. Check it out here.

Barry Released

Packers offensive lineman Kevin Barry -- of "U71" package fame -- was released by the team yesterday. Barry was a favorite of former coach Mike Sherman for the power run blocking scheme he favored. However, with the move last season under new head coach Mike McCarthy toward a zone blocking scheme Barry no longer was a good fit. He was also hurt in training camp, rupturing a thigh tendon which sidelined him for the season. A Racine, Wisconsin native, Barry was a fan favorite. Being released by the Packers stung a bit, according to reports. But immediately upon being released his agent began receiving calls. A player of his size and ability, assuming he can make a full recovery from his injury, will certainly find a place somewhere in the league. Good luck, Kevin. It was fun watching you pancake opposing players. Just hope you don't do it to any of your former teammates any time soon.

OTAs Underway...Favre and Rodgers Full Speed Ahead

The non-mandatory OTAs (optional team activities...or something like that) began on Wednesday of this last week. And the best news for Packer fans was that QB Brett Favre was cleared by the team docs to fully participate. The second best news was that backup QB and heir apparent Aaron Rodgers was also cleared to do the same. As you may recall, Brett had ankle surgery in the offseason to take care of a lingering problem, and Rodgers broke his foot late in the season.

There will be a total of 12 OTAs, and Brett will participate in 9 of them. According to Packers.com, Coach Mike McCarthy says Brett is already throwing the ball well. Which means that his receivers better be up to speed in terms of looking for the ball as soon as they come out of their break. Brett's presence, although not required, is certainly a key factor in getting in sync with an assortment of young receivers.

By the end of these OTAs, McCarthy says, the entire offense for the season will be installed. That means he and Brett working closely together to help determine what's working and what can be eliminated from the offensive scheme.

Jackson Happy to Be in Camp

Because he was unable to attend the May minicamp -- the first after the draft -- because of a league-required orientation in Los Angeles, rookie RB Brandon Jackson is really making a determined effort not to let that missed opportunity prevent him from competing for the starting spot. He basically has been in Green Bay ever since, working out and studying the playbook. He understands that, for now, Vernand Morency is slotted in the starting role. But he also understands that the Packers are not necessarily sold on that idea just yet. A bit of a surprise pick for filling the RB need, Jackson has his work cut out for him. But apparently, he is showing the kind of cuts and burst that the Packers are looking for in the post-Ahman Green era. You can read a good article about Jackson here.

Harlan on Jones

It has been a somewhat quiet week in Packerland, other than the Board meeting on Wednesday to discuss the situation with President John Jones, his leave of absence, and making the necessary arrangements to keep CEO Bob Harlan in place despite the team's mandatory age 70 retirement rule. (Oh yeah, there are a series of voluntary team practices underway...more on that in another post.)

Harlan spoke at a news conference on Wednesday and indicated that he personally had seen possible management problems emerge with Jones last fall, but wanted to wait to see if they were resolved with time. They weren't. And other staff members came to Harlan with their concerns, as well. It was at this point that Harlan -- before stepping down as CEO and turning the reigns of the team over to his hand-picked successor, Jones -- decided he must tell the executive committee of the problem. It was then that the executive committee, acting on behalf of the full board of directors, placed Jones on leave. The full board unanimously affirmed the executive committee's decision on Wednesday.

It is still unclear as to exactly what these "management" problems and concerns were. The team made it clear, however, that there were no issues with personal conduct or ethics. What, then? According to an article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: "Packers officials have not detailed what Jones did as a team executive that would have caused him to fall from favor. An NFL source has said that questions surfaced on Jones' ability to manage the franchise." That sure narrows it down, doesn't it?

What will become of Jones? Although it is possible he could return to the team it certainly would not be as CEO and might not even be as President. And whether he would want to or not after such a curious and public "leave" action remains to be seen. Look instead to other candidates arising for the positions. Expect the Packers to take their time, too. With Harlan remaining on, there is no rush to fill a job slot. The Packers will want someone with solid NFL experience and in particular an appreciation for what makes the Packers the Packers, and what will keep the team economincally viable; in other words, someone that will fight tooth and nail for continued revenue sharing and salary caps.