Brett Favre Scandal: Why Do We Care So Much About It?

I'm pretty sure I'm around the millionth person to write about the Brett Favre penis photo scandal, but I just couldn't resist anymore.

With the constant talk about it on ESPN and NFL Network, radio and articles in print and on the web, I just had to get my two cents out there.

And what do I think about it?

Well, I think, who the heck cares?

Honestly, if Brett Favre took a picture of his man part and sent it to a female, how is that the concern of you or I?

For the record, so help me God if I get a comment that says, "What about the children...he's an idol...blah, blah, blah..."

Must Read: Top 10 WR's Brett Favre Has Thrown To

First off, Brett Favre is a human being, so he's fallible, which means he's prone to make errors in judgment.

Also, if we've learned one thing over the past 50 years or so, it's that athletes, though gods on the playing field, usually are some of the least perfect people off the field, especially the biggest of stars.

If your child idolizes a particular athlete, that's fine. The dedication that athlete put into their sport to rise to the pro level is admirable. However, I caution you not to let your child learn a lot about that person's personal life.

I've always had a personal rule when it comes to celebrities (be it athlete, band or actor): Enjoy the entertainment they bring and nothing else. Don't get involved with their personal lives, because I'm sure there will be something there that I won't like, be it politics, religious beliefs or the fact they like to send obscene pictures of themselves to women.

However, ignoring the personal lives of athletes has become increasingly difficult over the past few years with all kinds of websites and magazines dedicated to digging up dirt on anyone.

Since these websites and magazines make a ton of money, more traditional outlets, like ESPN, have jumped on board and are all too eager to report scandals to gain viewership.

At this point, it becomes hard to place blame. Is it the media's fault for reporting it, or do they report it because it's what John Q. Public wants?

Honestly, I think we as sports fans need to back off the scandal train—mostly because it gets in the way of enjoying the sports we love so much.

I'm tired of watching a Vikings game and only hearing about the Brett Favre scandal, or watching golf and the commentators speculating on Tiger Woods' mindset because of his troubles, or when I watch baseball (though this is subsiding) hearing about steroids, or god forbid I'm watching a Yankee game and they talk about who A-Rod is dating.

I don't care about any of that. I just want to hear the play-by-play and the analysis of the plays.

The only drama I want to hear about is the drama on the field, like injuries or if two players or a player and a coach are going at it on the sideline.

Who cares if Tiger Woods, Brett Favre, or whomever did something with a woman not their wife? It isn't against the law, and they'll have to deal with that problem all their own. I don't want to hear Jon Gruden talk about it for three-quarters of a football game.

In the end, I don't think anything will come of it. If Brett did something, this is his first offense, and he'll only get a fine (which he can easily afford) and no suspension.

Jenn Sterger, the woman he is accused of sending the photo to, will get several more magazine photo shoots, and larger national exposure (maybe she'll sue Brett or the Jets). If all Brett did was send a photo, I'm sure his marriage will survive.

In the end, nothing will be accomplished, so why waste all this energy reporting it?

I don't have the answer, but I'm sure there are enough people out there who care enough about it to tune in and make ESPN more money for reporting it.

We won't ever escape this era of dirt-digging journalism, just like some athletes won't ever be angels. Hopefully though, they will adapt and get better at hiding their indiscretions so we don't have to hear about it during games.

Until next time, loyal reader, follow me on Twitter for other ravings (@jomac006).