Favre doesn't address problems with Packers at appearance

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Brett Favre stuck to the script, declining to address his public rift with the Green Bay Packers in an appearance at Lambeau Field 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 before he left, Favre paused to praise the place where he used to play -- and now is trying to make a play to get away from.

"That's the thing about Green Bay," said Favre, who spoke for about three minutes. "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.

Favre also put the smoldering controversy aside when he received a team MVP award during Saturday night's event, calling himself "an old, gray-haired quarterback showing I can still do it."

Favre went out of his way to thank former teammates, something he chided himself for forgetting to do during the taping of the ESPY awards in Los Angeles earlier this week.

"It's all about the team," Favre said. "I hope I have never lost sight of that."

Favre also put the matter aside as he introduced Winters. Packers general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy both were present for the ceremony.

The only passing mention to the latest chapter in the Favre retirement saga came from event master of ceremonies Larry McCarren, a former Packers player and current broadcaster.

"There are bigger problems in the world than the one the Packer nation is wrestling with now," McCarren said early on as he urged attendees to put the issue aside for the night.

On Saturday afternoon, 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."