A winning Pack gathers no Moss

Up to this point, I've dismissed rumors of the Packers' interest in acquiring wide receiver Randy Moss as baseless speculation. But apparently, as is usually the case, there's something to the rumors.

As reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, General Manager Ted Thompson was to make a pitch to the Packers' brass today about his keen interest in acquiring the troubled -- and troubling -- wideout.

Sources have said the two teams have been discussing Moss for more than a month. On Monday, a source familiar with the inner workings of both organizations said Thompson had spoken directly with Raiders owner Al Davis about dealing for Moss.

Apparently, Packers negotiator Andrew Brandt has already had preliminary talks to restructure Moss' remaining base salaries of $9.75 million in 2007 and $11.25 million in '08.

Yes, the clock is ticking on Brett Favre's Hall of Fame career and a solid deep threat would greatly improve his chances of going out on top. But Moss? Not Santana, mind you, Randy.

The same guy who infamously pretended to moon Packer fans in Lambeau Field when he was the poster boy for that model organization, the Minnesota Vikings. The same guy who pouts, seems to have lost a step or three and takes more plays off than on for the Raiders, another model organization.

Favre isn't a vocal leader, but he has shown he doesn't take kindly to fools (see Javon Walker). And even if Moss were to play nice for a year for a quarterback he reportedly respects, what happens when Favre retires?

One of the things I've always respected the most about the Packers is how they carry themselves as an organization, on and off the field. With chairman of the board Bob Harlan, the chief architect of that stellar public image, set to retire in May, years of hard work could come tumbling down with one ill-advised trade.

I beg you, Ted Thompson, don't do it.