Favre declines to address rift

Brett Favre stuck to the script, declining to address his public rift with the Packers in an appearance at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., on Saturday.

In town to present former teammate Frank Winters for induction into the Packers’ Hall of Fame at a banquet Saturday night, Favre briefly spoke with reporters about his former center’s career before abruptly stepping off the stage and ducking out a side door.

But Favre did pause to praise the place where he used to play – and now is trying to play his way out of.

“That’s the thing about Green Bay,” said Favre. “It’s a special place. There’s a lot of tradition. You think of the Packers, you think of all these great names, and to be a part of that – and I know Frank feels honored – is a special thing. I’m thankful that he asked me to be here.”

With that, Favre introduced Winters and walked off the stage.

Winters said he was glad Favre kept his commitment to present him to the Packers’ Hall of Fame despite the fact that it might be an awkward situation, given the very public nature of Favre’s rift with the team in recent weeks.

“There’s a lot of people probably, around the NFL and the United States probably thinking Brett wouldn’t show up today,” said Winters, who had asked Favre to present him several months ago. “But I knew deep down inside he would, and he told me he would be here, and it’s a great honor.”

Favre retired in early March, but recently has been having second thoughts about playing in 2008. The latest, and most intense, episode in several off-seasons’ worth of Favre’s flip-flopping on his football future was met with lukewarm enthusiasm by the Packers, who spent the off-season planning to move forward with Aaron Rodgers as their starter.

Favre asked to be released from his contract, a request the team has no plans to grant. The next step for Favre could be to petition NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for reinstatement, a move that would force the Packers to release him or place him on their active roster. He also could be traded.

Favre’s rights belong to the Packers until his contract expires after the 2010 season.

Winters said he didn’t have any insights on Favre’s next move. But he acknowledged that it’s difficult for players to leave the game.

Rams, Long reach deal

Chris Long, the No. 2 overall selection in April’s NFL draft, agreed to a long-term contract with the St. Louis Rams and will join his teammates when they report to Concordia University in Mequon, Wis., on Thursday. Practices begin Friday.

Terms were not released.

Redskins, TE Davis agree deal

The Washington Redskins and rookie tight end Fred Davis agreed to a $3.5 million, four-year contract, a day before training camp opens in Ashburn, Va. The deal includes a $1.8 million signing bonus for the 6-foot-4, 247-pound Davis, who was taken in the second round, 48th overall, out of Southern California in April’s NFL draft.

“I can say I’m finally a Redskin,” Davis said.

Davis said it was important for him to sign before training camp began.

“I didn’t want to lose any time, any chance to play or get out there,” he said. “I wanted to learn everything. I knew that would be the smartest thing.”

The Redskins now have deals with all 10 of their picks going into camp.

Washington released tight end Tyler Ecker, a 2007 seventh-round draft pick who spent all of last season on injured reserve.