I know there are a lot of people out there who hate Stephen A. Smith. Frankly, I don't have much of a problem with him, although that's because I totally ignore him.

Anyway, although he's loud and obnoxious, that doesn't mean he isn't right occasionally. Yesterday, Stephen A. wound up on ESPN News and did what I think a lot of people, including myself, have wanted to do for a long time - rip Brett Favre and rip the idiotic sportswriters who protect him.

All of Smith's points are valid. The Packers don't owe him squat. He willingly retired. He's hurting Aaron Rodgers. This whole thing is sickening. He's been ridiculously protected by the media.

That last point is particularly true. And just to harp on that, I want to point out - yet again - how utterly asinine and stupid sportswriters can be in protecting Favre. Here's Peter "I wish Favre would marry me" King talking about how Favre isn't trying to hurt anyone in this ridiculous process.

What he [Favre] does not want to do is ruin his legacy in Wisconsin and prevent his three-year backup Aaron Rodgers -- who Favre does not want to screw -- from taking his rightful place as the Packers starting QB in 2008.

What an idiot. Favre's screwed everyone in this process, including himself, Peter. ESPECIALLY Rodgers. Don't let your man lust for Favre fog your contacts you fat overrated writer.

Anyway, at this point, I hope we start getting more and more guys going on the air and ripping Favre. And in the paper as well. He's left the team in a horrible position and he deserves to not only be called out for it, but drilled repeatedly for doing so.

[HT: Awful Announcing]