Harold Wilson

If any pair of athletes ever knew something about sportsmanship, Elton Brand and Brett Favre figured to be just the two.

After all, Sports Illustrated magazine tabbed Favre its 2007 Sportsman of the Year. That award goes to athletes who symbolize the ideals of sportsmanship, namely conduct considered befitting in sports — especially fair play, courtesy, striving spirit and grace in losing.

The year before, in 2006, the National Basketball Association honored Brand with its annual Sportsmanship Award.

The tide turned on the pair this week, as the sports world questioned the character of each after the superstars seemingly reneged on previous declarations in search of new destinations.

Brand backed out of a supposed “verbal agreement” with the Clippers, spurning them for a reported $82-million, five-year contract with the upstart Philadelphia 76ers. That after the Clippers snagged Baron Davis from the Golden State Warriors for what appeared to be a bargain price (a $65 million, five-year deal).

Meanwhile, Favre forgot his retirement just months earlier when requesting a release from the Green Bay Packers franchise he helped reached two Super Bowls during 1990s.

And they thought they felt pressure in the heat of the battle — Favre avoiding 300-pound defenders and hurrying to get the snap before the 25-second play clock expired; Brand rushing to get shots up over seven-footers and within 24-second time constraints.

The off-the-field courtroom creates even more havoc with 24-hour news stations, and the countless number of forums on the world wide web, ready to point out just where the two went wrong with their decisions.

Exactly what draws the boundary lines for being a true sport? Does it end after the postgame handshakes conclude. Or does it extend to a matter of personal choice we all expect to have based on constitutional rights alone?

And, does it go for only athletes, or also those who watch and judge?

Just from an athletic point-of-view, it’s hard to argue the character of Brand and Favre, especially considering their previous accolades. Favre’s popularity rivals any NFL player of his generation. Brand comes across as a model of professionalism, rarely complaining while enduring one losing season after another with the downtrodden Clipper franchise.

The problem stems from how these two leading men led their respective franchises on.

The exit of Favre fueled the opportunity for patient backup Aaron Rodgers to finally slide into the starting role. Perhaps unsatisfied with his nine Pro Bowls, three MVP awards and a Super Bowl trophy, Favre heard his fair share of unkind words t his week.

Likewise, several branded Brand a traitor of sorts after he let the Clippers remain a team with only one superstar.

The pure definition of the terms “free-agent” and “retired” implies a person can do as he feels.

As an unrestricted free agent Brand became free to do as he pleased. And Favre, as a retired player, positioned himself to relax and even rest on his past laurels if he chose to.

It happens in the real world every day. People pick a different place of employment, especially if it means more money and puts you closer to family as in the case of Brand. And many retirees realize they liked being busier and thus return to work in another capacity.

The bottom line always boils down to ability. If you’re able to perform, then you should be free to go wherever you’re accepted. Brand’s ACL injury, which caused him to miss 74 of 82 games last season, didn’t deter the 76ers from calling. Neither does Favre’s age, 38, prevent him from being well-sought if and when he chooses to return to the gridiron.

No matter how the decision turns out, it’s their choice to make. Besides, their on-the field conduct is reason enough for them to get the benefit of the doubt.

Harold Wilson
()