Favre considers Packers' $20 million marketing offer

Brett Favre's reinstatement to the NFL was held up again Friday as the three-time MVP mulled getting paid not to play through a marketing deal with the Green Bay Packers that could resolve the standoff over his retirement.

The potential agreement, worth a reported $20 million over 10 years, might end Favre's bid to return just months after retiring. It also would likely keep him from reporting to Packers' training camp and a team that is not planning to start him at quarterback for the first time since 1992.

After talking to Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy about the marketing deal Wednesday, Favre confirmed he was considering it to ESPN on Thursday.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy made it clear Friday that, from the team's perspective, the agreement would be more than a buyout to make an awkward situation go away. In fact, it's been in the works for months. He first heard about it at Favre's retirement news conference in March.

"I know Mark Murphy talked to me about it in the past, how important it was for Brett to continue to be part of the organization after he was done playing," McCarthy said after practice Friday morning. "And frankly, it's good for Brett. Brett needs to stay a part of football. Obviously, he's a part of the Green Bay Packers."

Meanwhile, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sat on Favre's reinstatement letter for the fourth straight day, giving the two sides more time to resolve the situation.

"The commissioner will take no action today on Brett Favre's reinstatement request. Discussions are continuing between the Packers and Brett," league officials said in a statement issued by NFL spokesman Greg Aiello.

The Packers hold Favre's rights until his current contract expires after the 2010 season.

Panthers' Smith sent home: Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith was sent home from training camp Friday in Spartanburg, S.C., after he punched teammate Ken Lucas at practice, leaving the starting cornerback holding an ice pack to his left eye before he was carted to the locker room. Panthers coach John Fox said Smith and Lucas returned to Charlotte, about 80 miles away, after the fight. Neither player was present for the team's second practice Friday night.

The Panthers didn't provide an update on the extent of Lucas' injuries, and club officials declined to say if the volatile Smith, the team's top receiver, would be suspended.

"We're going to handle this matter internally," general manager Marty Hurney said.

Ravens cornerback suspended: Baltimore Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington was suspended one game without pay for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy, a punishment stemming from a domestic violence arrest in February involving his girlfriend. Washington is allowed to participate in all preseason practices and games until his suspension begins Aug. 30 and ends after the Ravens' Sept. 7 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium.

"I put myself in a bad situation, and I did not handle it the right way," Washington said.

"I was wrong and made a mistake. My girlfriend, my attorney and I wanted a quick resolution and knew that a suspension could happen."