Favre denies report he's eyeing a return
Brett Favre dismissed an ESPN report that he's considering coming out of retirement as "all rumor."
Favre responded yesterday to the ESPN report by telling his hometown newspaper's website, the SunHerald.com in Gulfport, Miss., that "it's all rumor."
The paper reported that Favre sent a text message saying there's "no reason" for a media frenzy.
ESPN reported that an unidentified Packers source said the 38-year-old Favre told coach Mike McCarthy in the past two weeks he has the itch to play.
"The Packers have no reaction," team spokesman Jeff Blumb told the Associated Press.
Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, didn't return a message seeking comment. Packers general manager Ted Thompson and McCarthy were on vacation.
Favre retired March 6 after a 17-year career.
Cornerback Al Harris said on ESPN's "NFL Live" that Favre made similar comments to him.
"I know he has the itch to come back and play," Harris said. "If he will or not, I don't know."
The Packers plan to use Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback.
Favre's commitment to retirement has been questioned since his announcement. That talk resumed in mid-June when Favre withdrew from the American Century
Bears sign Forte
The Bears agreed to a four-year deal with second-round draft pick Matt Forte, the former Tulane running back expected to replace Cedric Benson in the lineup. Benson was waived in June after his second alcohol-related arrest in a month . . . Former Chargers linebacker Steve Foley has agreed to settle his lawsuit against a police officer who shot him while off-duty two years ago and ended his pro football career.
