Brett Favre insists he's no Benedict Brett.
The New York Jets quarterback acknowledged yesterday that he spoke to former Detroit president Matt Millen a few weeks ago, but denied reports he called Millen and gave him and Lions coaches information they could use in a game against the Green Bay Packers.
Favre, who had a bitter split with the Packers in the offseason, said Millen called to invite him to go hunting. The friends then briefly talked about football.
"I didn't give him any game planning," Favre said. "I haven't been in that offense in over a year. I don't know what else to tell you. It was pretty simple."
Favre also said Dallas quarterback Tony Romo called him last week - not the other way around - to ask for suggestions on playing through injuries.
"Next thing I know, I'm calling everyone in the league, giving out secrets," Favre said. "I'm willing to help, but it's awful ridiculous."
Favre spent nearly 15 minutes answering questions about the Foxsports.com report Sunday that said he called the Lions before their Sept. 14 game against the Packers. The report said Favre spent more than an hour giving Millen and Lions coaches information on nuances of the offense he used to run. Green Bay won the game, 48-25.
"I did not call the Lions, nor did I call Tony Romo," a defiant Favre said. "I don't know what else to tell everyone, but I'm not calling people."
Jay Glazer, who wrote the story for Foxsports.com, defended what he wrote. "I stand by my story 1,000 percent," he said. "I investigated this fully and for quite some time. I spoke with several sources, and when I go with something, I make sure it's dead-on."
Winslow was suspended without pay by general manager Phil Savage Tuesday for comments and behavior disparaging to the organization. Winslow was critical of Savage and said he only came forward to reveal he had staph - for the second time - out of concern for his teammates' health.
If Winslow loses his appeal, he will sit out Sunday's game in Jacksonville and forfeit $235,294, his one-game paycheck. If Winslow wins, he could keep his money and it's possible the 25-year-old could be reinstated in time to play the Jaguars.
Whatever the outcome, Browns coach Romeo Crennel feels Winslow's rift with the team can be fixed.
"I think it is repairable," he said. "Kellen is not a bad kid. I have a pretty decent relationship with Kellen. With me, personally, I feel that relations are repairable and we will go forward."
