NFL | Report: Packers accuse Vikings

MILWAUKEE — The Green Bay Packers have filed tampering charges against the Minnesota Vikings over what team officials believe is inappropriate contact with quarterback Brett Favre, several media outlets reported Wednesday.

Packers officials believe a league examination of telephone records will indicate more than normal contact between Favre and Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, a former Green Bay assistant. The charges were first reported by Foxsports.com.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league had no comment on the report. Both teams also refused to comment.

Allegations of tampering are touchy subjects among professional sports franchises, and the penalties can include the loss of draft choices and fines.

The fact that the alleged contact involved Favre makes the case particularly sensitive because of his bitter dispute with the Packers, who still hold his rights. Additionally, the fact that the case involves the Vikings, a big rival in the NFC North, is sure to fuel animosity between the two franchises.

Since Favre and his agent, James "Bus" Cook, told the Packers the quarterback wanted to be released by the club, rumors about which teams would want Favre began to surface. One such club named in various media reports was the Vikings, though team officials said they were committed to quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.

Favre was in Los Angeles for Wednesday night's taping of the ESPY Awards. Host Justin Timberlake zeroed in on Favre sitting in the audience with his wife, Deanna.

"What have you been up to lately? I haven't seen you anywhere," Timberlake said. "Just chillin'? Yeah, me too."

Later, Timberlake went into the seats to hug Favre's would-be successor, Aaron Rodgers, the Packers' 2005 first-round draft choice. Favre sheepishly looked down with a slight smile on his face as the crowd laughed.

Favre's growing rift with the Packers could lead to a few awkward moments this weekend. Favre is scheduled to be in Green Bay on Saturday to formally introduce his old friend, center Frank Winters, as part of the Packer Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

Favre currently is on the Packers' reserve/retired list. To be reinstated, Favre must write a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Once that request is approved — a step considered a formality — the Packers would have to release Favre or place him on their active roster.

Notes

• The NFL is stepping up its monitoring of on-field player activities to ensure that no one is flashing the hand signals of street gangs. The Los Angeles Times reported the league has hired experts to look at game tapes and identify players or team officials who might be using suspected gang signals. Violators would be warned and disciplined if the episodes recurred.

• Miami Dolphins quarterback Josh McCown has decided to quit using chain saws, which should please his team. A brush with a chain saw two weeks ago in Jacksonville, Texas, left McCown with a cut on the index finger of his throwing hand that required six stitches. But he expects to be ready for the start of training camp next week.

• The Baltimore Ravens have agreed in principle to a five-year deal with first-round draft pick Joe Flacco on a $30 million contract that includes $8.75 million in guaranteed money for the quarterback.

• The New York Jets signed cornerback Dwight Lowery, the team's fourth-round pick.

• The Houston Texans signed linebacker Xavier Adibi, their fourth-round draft pick.

• The Denver Broncos signed seventh-round draft pick Peyton Hillis, a fullback from Arkansas who helped clear the way for two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden.

• The Kansas City Chiefs agreed to three-year deals with draft picks Kevin Robinson, a receiver, and defensive end Brian Johnston.

• Bob Papa, the radio play-by-play voice of the New York Giants for the past 13 seasons, will replace Bryant Gumbel as the announcer for the NFL Network's eight Thursday games.