According to an anonymous source, the relationship between Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers is still a complicated one, even from afar. Favre remains, partly, a radioactive isotope being ripped as petty for still not yet contacting (as far as we know) quarterback Aaron Rodgers to congratulate him for his Super Bowl victory. ... [Said the source:] "I can tell you Brett wants to speak to Aaron. He really does and it's sincere. I don't know if they've spoken yet. I just know Brett wants to bury the hatchet." Really? "No question. The big issue is will Aaron want to take the call. That I don't know. The bitterness remains deep." Is it possible such a phone call between the two men has taken place and no knows about it? "Possible," he said, "but unlikely." (CBSSports.com) Comment

During a call-in fan forum Tuesday night, Jim Harbaugh responded to one questioner who said he liked quarterback Alex Smith. "I agree," Harbaugh said. "I like him very much, too." It marked the latest indication that the 49ers will consider bringing back their incumbent quarterback for a seventh season. Smith is eligible for free agency once the NFL labor situation is resolved and Harbaugh on several occasions has declined to close the door on Smith's return. ... General Manager Trent Baalke was more circumspect during the fan event, talking mostly in general terms about the team's quarterback situation. (San Jose Mercury News) Comment

On one hand, Caron Butler has insisted he can defy the odds. Team doctors insist that Caron Butler won't be ready to play full contact basketball again until training camp opens in the fall. But the stubborn Butler believes he'll be ready by the time the Dallas Mavericks start playing playoff games in April. ... Butler knows that the Feb. 24 trading deadline is fast approaching, and he's heard his name mentioned in potential trades, especially because he has an expiring contract. But he wants to stay with the Mavs, mainly because he believes for the first time in his career he???s a part of an organization that has a good locker room and a solid chance to win an NBA title. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Comment