BRETT FAVRE STILL UNDECIDED ON NFL RETURN

Despite a media frenzy over a series of text messages that Brett Favre allegedly sent to his Minnesota Viking teammates saying he planned to retire, the veteran quarterback maintains that he’s not made any decision on whether or not to return for another NFL season.   Favre says that his position remains the same—that he’ll play if he’s healthy.  He’s planning to have his surgically repaired ankle examined next week, and will make a decision on his pro football future based on that diagnosis.

Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, said that based on his observations that his client looks good physically:

"He's working out really hard and everything seems to indicate that if he is healthy and can contribute and play at the level that he has become accustomed to, he will play.”

Cook also dismissed suggestions that Favre is looking for more money:

"As far as Brett is concerned, in spite of reports to the contrary, Brett's situation has nothing to do with his contract, but everything to do with his health and ability to contribute to that team and play at a level that he has been accustomed to playing over the years.”

Vikings’ offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said that the team has operated on the assumption that Favre will return if he’s physically able:

"I know it's a decision that he wrestles with. He's a great player. He's a great competitor. He mulls things over. He's an emotional guy. So he thinks things through long and hard and takes his time with his decision. So I'm not surprised that things started to come out. We just have to wait and see."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suggested that the annual Favre retirement soap opera was good for the league’s off season interest level.  Ultimately, Goodell wants Favre to do what’s best for him personally:

"We haven't heard from Brett, so we're all reacting to media reports. So I think I'd wait and hear what Brett has to say. I think we all love to see him play, but we want him to do what's best for him at the end of the day”

And the ongoing Favre drama has also had an impact on NFL betting lines.  Following reports of his retirement, a number of sportsbooks changed the future book prices for a Vikings’ Superbowl victory.  With nothing settled at this point, quite a few books have taken the Vikings off the board entirely until Favre’s status is resolved.