Enter Brett Favre.

There has been no question about how I feel about Brett Favre. (See post). And let me make this clear: I have no problems with an athlete having trouble retiring because of “the love of the game.” Its an admirable trait. Its what kept Michael Jordan, Willie Mays, Emmitt Smith, and others playing the game they loved till they were burnt out or booted out. However, this post may surprise you: This is not a  ”hate Brett Favre” post. This is an attempt at an objective view of Brett Favre’s “final” decision. The obsession with “The Decision” (not to be confused with LeBron James’ infamous “Decision”) falls on the shoulders of many sources throughout the Sports World:

ESPN

Every year since Favre left the Packers, sports fans are forced to watch and listen every day about Favre’s decision (or indecision) to play. However, ESPN cannot help themselves when it comes to guaranteed viewership. And I understand stations need high ratings to make money; yet, ESPN likes to try to beat a story to death with a spoon (e.g. LeBron). Its excruciating. Because they know every person in Green Bay will watch hoping Favre finally says goodbye; meanwhile, in Minnesota (this is for you Keipert), every fan is hoping to God that Favre sticks it out one more year, because let’s face it, without him they are no longer a top tier team. Therefore, ESPN punishes every sports, NFL fan in the country by showing multiple segments throughout the broadcast about opinions, theories, and thoughts on Favre’s likely (or unlikely) departure. There is no one better than ESPN at bringing the drama to a story, and there is no one better either at milking it for all its worth, torturing every sports fan in America all the way through. (Yet, I can’t blame ‘em. There’s really nothing happening in the world of sports during this time of year, so this can buy them time for a few weeks until something else pops up).

The Minnesota Vikings

This could have been cleared up months ago with a simple, “Hey Brett, are you going to be able to play?” And if he said no or was indecisive, you move on. They could have reached out and snagged Donovan McNabb or gotten a solid rookie QB in Jimmy Clausen (Sorry Dougie) or Colt McCoy. But no, they let Favre dictate the direction their team would go. Note: This is not Favre’s fault. The Vikings shouldn’t have placed Brett in the position where his decision decides whether they contend for a Super Bowl or a Wild Card playoff spot. Talk to any professional athlete after they’ve gotten traded or been released from team. 83% (making that up) of the time when asked how they feel about the team or the decision that was made, they’ll tell you, “Its a business.” Professional sports, for all of the entertainment it provides, is a living, breathing enterprise that requires efficiency and productivity. And when one or both of those aspects or lacking, adjustments need to be made. So, when Brett Favre is hanging in Mississippi weighing his options, the Vikings needed to do the same. Therefore, Vikings fans, when the Vikes go 8-8 or 9-7 this year and are struggling for a playoff spot, look no further than the higher ups in The Metrodome. Because they have cost your “Super Bowl caliber” team to fall short, not Brett Favre.

You and Me

I have myself to blame and you probably do to. Why do we care so much whether a Hall of Fame NFL QB plays or not? Because every American loves a good story. Whether you’re rooting for or against Brett Favre, we enjoy getting wrapped up in the drama of the decision. Another side of that is that we love  watching our heroes (or villains). Nobody was more frustrated when I saw Michael Jordan put on the #23 again… for the Washington Wizards. Its like going to see one of your favorite Rock Legends in concert. Yeah, they sort of look like the guys you listened to and the music kind of sounds like it used to, but its not them anymore. They are just a mere shadow or reflection of what they used to be. MJ was just a 1/4 of the player he used to be and it was hard to watch. Then to see Michael basically asked to leave the Wizards organization entirely was a slap in the face to a living legend who brought the game of basketball to the highest level it had ever been. Therefore, when we see Brett Favre, a lot of us don’t see the 40 year old, worn NFL veteran. We see the Super Bowl XXXI Champ running around the field, with his helmet in his hand, smiling and celebrating, because he finally can call himself “a champion.” We see the QB who would make the throws that would make coaches throw down their caps or pull their hair, only to see Antonio Freeman or Donald Driver make a TD grab to win the game in the waning seconds. We can make all the judgement calls we want about what Brett Favre should do with his life, but we are to blame for why we make his decision such a part of our lives. And that is the greatness of this game.

So, am I frustrated that Brett Favre is doing this to us again? Yes. Will I watch and critique every segment about whether he stays or goes? You betcha. And its because I’m a fan and I have no apologies about that. So, Brett, all I can ask is that you make this decision soon. Not so much so that I can focus on other aspects of the NFL, but so that I can go back to my obsession with hating LeBron James. Best of luck to ya, Brett and for God sakes, decide quick.

This is the video we’ve all been waiting for: A Remembrance of the KIA Spectra. It was a great car and, even more, a great friend. Miss you Spec. Miss you everyday.

The end is here. Thanks to my sister, Laurie, for finding this video that sums up what we’re all feeling as LOST comes to an end tonight. After tonight, my friends, we’ll never be LOST again. Enjoy the video.

I always knew that on set David Prowse, the actor who played Darth Vader, used his voice on set before they voiced it over with James Earl Jones. What I didn’t know was what he sounded like. Wow. What could have been, we will never know. Credit goes to Starslip.com by Kris Straub who had the orginal post.

You got me, Rob. You got me.

I love this video. Its the kind of video that makes you want to go William Wallace and just scream “FREEDOM!” out of your window. After having recently heard Gov. Haley Barbour speak recently, I support his and the RGA’s vision and passion to steer this country in the way it should go. Enjoy the video.