Lights Are On, Nobody's Home

I've deliberately avoided posted anything about the Brett Favre mess because it surpassed Reality TV in idiocy long ago (Actually, the sports media's disgusting non-stop coverage of it is far worse. The assassination of John F. Kennedy didn't get this much airplay for this long.). However, this whole thing now has me wondering if all the sacks Favre endured during his 17 years as a Hall of Fame quarterback hasn't left him with a prize-winning case of dementia. Really, what else could it be?

It was supposed to be so simple. After all the hemming and hawing about quitting the last few summers, Favre finally calls it a day in an emotional press conference and afterwards the Packers begin the process of moving on and preparing the team around young QB Aaron Rodgers. But by suddenly slamming his retirement into reverse just weeks before training camp, Favre is throwing a wrench into Green Bay's plans. Hell, Roger Clemens thinks it's obnoxious. Doesn't Favre know (or care) about the uncomfortable position he's putting the Packers in? And what about Rodgers? After three long years as Favre's backup and having to sit through Favre's annual retirement sideshows, the kid is finally getting his chance. He doesn't need this garbage.

Meanwhile, the Packers refuse to release Favre because they don't want him to wind up signing with the Minnesota Vikings. What are they so worried about? Considering Favre's difficulties in decision-making regarding his career, chances are his on-field thinking skills have eroded as well. That's one reason to let him go to the Vikings. Here's another: The Packers have arranged to retire Favre's number 4 on Opening Night. Their opponent is none other than Minnesota. I hope Green Bay doesn't postpone the ceremony because the embarrassing awkwardness of that scenario would be hilarious and it's exactly what everyone involved in this ridiculous saga deserves.