Thank God that’s over.
The Unretirement Circus has finished for another year, and for those about to go through Favre withdrawal, rest assured, next summer will be no different.
Whatever happens on the field this year (and personally, I think this won’t end well for Favre or the Vikings), without a doubt the same bullshit will go on next year…and just like this year, it’ll make me vomit in terror.
Favre, in his Quint-like obsession to get back at the Packers, never really had it in his mind to retire…unless his biceps surgery was a monumental failure (if the friggin’ surgeons would’ve just botched the damn job we wouldn’t be here right now). His mind was made up for a return to the Vikes, and the Vikes only, provided he could chuck the pigskin pain-free.
Favre’s plan is evident from nearly the beginning, as the timeline shows…
Feb.11th: Favre tells Jets he will retire…or not…maybe…probably…yes, he’s retired. Really? Ummm…no.
Apr. 28th: Since Favre has “officially” retired (yeah right), there’s no reason for New York to waive Lord Favre off their reserved/retired list…which they do, of course. Now the retired QB is free to sign with any team *cough* Vikings *cough*
May ?: Favre, preparing for a life of relaxation and luxury on his ranch, undergoes arthroscopic surgery on his right (read: throwing) shoulder…you know, for throwing lassos and wrangling cattle, and such…but, you know, not for throwing footballs to Visanthe Shiancoe.
May 7th: Favre tells Vikes coach Brad Childress he wants to remain retired…wink, wink.
May 29-31: Vikings mandatory minicamp opens with Tavaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels and John David Booty at QB.
June 15th: The still retired Favre acknowledges on HBO’s “Joe Buck Live” three things…1) he’s considering playing in 2009, 2) he has all Artie Lange’s comedy albums, and 3) he hates flash floods and Indian food. (OK, the last 2 are bullshit, I admit it)
July 9th: Vikings trainer Eric Sugarman visits Hattiesburg, Mississippi for the second time since June to check on Favre’s physical condition…you remember him, the supposedly “retired” quarterback with the surgically repaired throwing shoulder.
July 15th: Told the AP that the Vikings will know by July 30th whether or not he will be attending training camp…a clever ruse, since Favre notoriously hates training camp, is almost 40-years-old, with 18 years NFL experience, and needs to attend training camp like Tiger Woods needs more golf balls.
July 28th: Brad Childress tells the Star Tribune that Favre will remain retired.
Aug. 18th: The day started with Favre still retired…until 2:34 p.m., when the Vikes announced his signing. An hour and a half later, there he is in pads on the practice field, most definitely unretired. Oh, and he’ll be starting the Friday night preseason game.
So to Brett Favre, Brad Childress and the entire Vikings organization, I call Bullshit! I’m convinced that this whole thing was in the works from the beginning, all of it hinging on the arm strength of No. 4.
Hopefully for everyone, fans, media, players, etc. the yearly saga that is the Brett Favre Unretirement Circus ends this year, instead of dragging on like a bad movie with no ending (and starring Matthew McConaughey). [Yahoo Sports]
