Packers coach tells Favre not to come to minicamp

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | 10:23 a.m.

SUN WIRE SERVICES

Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman is excusing quarterback Brett Favre from the team's voluntary minicamp that started today, saying he wants Favre to be raring to go for the start of training camp in July.

Sherman also asked Favre to skip the post-draft minicamp this spring because of the emotional wear and tear he had been under the previous 18 months, when he lost his father to a heart attack, his brother-in-law to an ATV accident and friend Reggie White to a respiratory ailment. His wife, Deanna, underwent treatment for breast cancer.

"He's had a tough go of it the last year and I just want him to come in busting the door down in July when we start up," Sherman said.

Sherman said Favre's personal trainer reports the quarterback is in top shape because of a special diet and workout regimen, and Favre wanted to participate in the minicamp.

Also, the Packers will retire Reggie White's number at halftime ceremonies of their home opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 18.

Team president Bob Harlan said he had told White before his death last December that he wanted to add his No. 92 to the retired numbers listed in the north end zone at Lambeau Field.

White died Dec. 26 at 43.

The only other Packers whose numbers have been retired are fullback Tony Canadeo (3), wide receiver Don Hutson (14), quarterback Bart Starr (15) and linebacker Ray Nitschke (66).

According to Michigan state police, Edwards refused to show his license after being pulled over by a trooper Sunday evening in Southfield. The trooper warned him that if he did not, he would be placed under arrest.

When he refused again, the trooper asked Edwards to step out of his vehicle and arrested him, but Edwards resisted by not allowing the trooper to put handcuffs on him, state police said.

The trooper called local police for backup, and when the officers arrived, pepper spray was used to force Edwards to comply.

Westbrook, 25, who had been a restricted free agent, was expected to join the Eagles today for their seven-day voluntary passing camp, the team said in a statement.