I know, I'm going to get the "Brett who?" claimers, bruised-ego fans who will ask why do we even care anymore about former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre.
The latest news is that Brett's sister Brandi has had her bond set at $40,000 on two drug charges. If she's convicted she could see 30 years behind bars and have to shell out up to $1 million in fines for her alleged manufacture of meth.
Do we even care about this? How about the actions Brett's wife, kids or family?
Well, if you live in Wisconsin, you will care. Here's why:
Favre, in his press conference after the end of the regular season, was smart enough to thank the Green Bay fans at the same time he was thanking his current Vikings backers.
You see, he knows that his future paychecks will hinge on his current fan base, and whoever is swung to be his future fan base -- and that will be attached to the Green and Gold.
His image of being a determined athlete who put a lot of emotion into a game is not in question. People will remember his Super Bowl appearances and MVP seasons.
His time on the field in a Jets or Vikings jersey may fade away. When we think of Michael Jordan, how many of us remember him barely making an impact in a Wizard's uniform?
But what about his image of being an "awe shucks," small-town family man? Well, his actions in the next few years will determine our collective memories on that.
The man is dealing with new allegations from two former massage therapists that worked for the New York Jets. More likely than not, Favre will face civil charges from former Jets game-day host Jenn Sterger.
You see, down the road (probably after Ted Thompson's current employment) the Packers will have a Brett Favre day. His number will be retired and he will be entered into the team's Hall of Fame. His numbers on the field have earned him that much.
And that day, those special ceremonies and parties and entrance fees into the hall will all add up. People will travel to Green Bay, stay in hotel rooms, buy dinners and Packers gear and will add millions of dollars in revenue for the team and the state economy.
If the old No. 4 continues to be the man off the field that the reports and allegations support, that will mean a financial swing down for many of us who live here.
The actions of his family members reflect on him. That's unfair, but that's the way it is.
I wish we all could move on and enjoy our Packers being in the playoffs and Favre sitting at home dealing with his poor decisions. But, his actions will have an impact on all of us whether we want it or not.
TO BRETT: Thank you. You did some great things and that benefitted the people of Wisconsin for a number of years.
TO BRETT'S FAMILY: Help us all out and keep your noses clean. Stay out of the headlines.
All of you stop being yourselves and fade away. We will thank you even more in the long run, and Brett, ultimately that's what you want anyway. Because all of us now know it has always been about you.
Media is bombarding us everywhere.
Instead of sheltering his brain from the onslaught, Steve embraces the news stories, entertainment, billboards, blogs, talk shows and everything in between.
The former writer, editor and producer in TV, radio, Web and newspapers, will be talking about what media does in our community and how it shapes who we are and what we do.
