Just when I thought Brett Favre's shenanigans couldn't irritate me any more. According to certain reports yesterday, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre told various club officials that he was planning on stepping away from the game.

Naturally, no one can confirm or deny the reports and the Brett Favre circus' stay gets extended for an indefinite period of time. To make matters more interesting, according to ESPN.com the Vikings have attempted to throw money at the problem.

Apparently, they think it was the fact that Mr. Spotlight was slated to only make $13 million and have upped the ante by $3 million to $16 million for 2010.

Really??

At this point, I have a hard time thinking that money has anything to do with Favre's career decision. Reports have said that he is not happy with the progress his surgically-repaired ankle has made. That probably has more to do with it than anything else.

In fact, if I was Favre I would be insulted by the offer and it would convince me that maybe it is time to walk away. I'm not saying, but I'm just saying.

I've already blogged about how Favre's dragging out of the decision making process is enough to make LeBron James jealous, but this takes it to a whole new level. Forget about the fact that even if he officially announces his retirement sometime in the coming weeks, I will refuse to believe he is truly done until 18 months have passed.

In fact, this could be applied to future retirement indecision with any superstar in any sport- we can call it the "Favre-ing Period". It would refer to the time that a superstar athlete leaves his team on the dangle waiting for a decision. There will be both acceptable and unacceptable Favre-ing Periods. Any length of time that hampers a franchise ability to have a succession plan in place is an unacceptable Favre-ing Period.

Yes, Brett, you've changed sports forever.

And yes, Brett, you're guilty.