Oh, not the Favre soap opera again?

Just when you think he's finally really retired, you get something like this:

Those who found Favre's latest retirement less than convincing were given plenty of ammunition on Tuesday night when the New York Jets — Favre's employer during the 2008 season — announced that he had asked for and received his release from the team's reserve/retired list. Favre said in a statement that "at this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football."

If Favre has no plans to return why did he ask for his release from the Jets? And why include the line "at this time" in his statement? Those three words are why there is going to be speculation that Favre is going to return and that, if he does, his first choice is going to be the Vikings. You'll recall that when Favre wanted to unretire last summer, his desire was to come to Minnesota. The Green Bay Packers made sure that didn't happen and even filed tampering charges against Minnesota. The Vikings were cleared by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

I guess old Brett just can't stand not being discussed on the sports pages. And he'd indicated he would like to play for the Vikings, during his last retirement hitch, before signing with the Jets. And the one position the Vikes haven't finally settled is quarterback (Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels aren't widely viewed as "franchise" players).

No matter who ends up as the starting QB, the last thing Jackson or Rosenfels needs is a months-long media circus as Favre re-visits his "will I or won't I?" role.

Stay retired this time, Brett!