Vikings hand off Favre issue to NFL

MINNEAPOLIS, July 17 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings, accused by the Green Bay Packers of trying to lure quarterback Brett Favre out of retirement, deferred all comment to the NFL Thursday.

"The Vikings are not commenting on the issue," said Minnesota spokesman Bob Hagan. "These types of matters are handled by the league."

Favre put the Packers on the defensive this week when he admitted he should not have retired at the end of the 2007 season. He asked the Packers to release him from his obligation to the team, but Green Bay officials have said they will not do so.

It was reported Wednesday that Green Bay had filed tampering charges against Minnesota because of alleged conversations Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell has had with Favre.

Favre's agent has said there are no current plans for Favre to ask the league to take him off the retired list.

Favre led the Packers to the NFC title game last season with a 28-touchdown season.