Brett Favre is like toxic junk.

You can't safely get rid of the guy.

He's like all those used batteries, paint cans and broken electronics sitting in your basement or the forget drawers of your hutch. You want to rid yourself of him, but you just can't figure out how.

That's what must be facing the Minnesota Vikings these days. They have a severe case of Favre and don't know the proper EPA procedure to safely dispose of him.

Brad Childress certainly doesn't have the answer.

Favre is back — I think. I knew I thought he would be, I guess, because nothing says comeback to Favre like a good ol' retirement.

Favre is foolish. But he has never wavered on his wavering. He has never waffled on his waffling. He's been true to his indecisive self. Everyone, including the Vikes, knew what they were getting with Favre: a brilliant quarterback with commitment issues.

It's how the Vikings — and, yes, the media — have handled Cirque du so-Favre that has been truly disgraceful.

The absurdity started early this summer when Childress flew down to Mississippi to have a heart-to-heart with Favre about his future.

I'm sure that conversation was awkward.

After all, Favre told Childress to take a long walk off a short pier last season when the coach wanted to yank his aging quarterback from a lopsided loss.

Favre won that power struggle. Because of that, Favre, the rest of the team and even the equipment manager know Favre runs the show; Childress is just along for the ride.

Childress lost the team right there and then on that sideline.

Favre has all the power.

It got even more absurd Tuesday when Childress dispatched three veteran players — his own version of the Three Wise Men — to convince (or kidnap, whatever was easier) Favre to return.

Minnesota coaches then lied about the departure of Jared Allen, Ryan Longwell and Steve Hutchison, saying the trio were "around" or "in the building somewhere" even though anyone with cable or an Internet connection knew they were in Mississippi recruiting (kidnapping) Favre.

Is it worth it? Really? Favre is good. Some could argue, even at 40 going on 41 with a bad ankle, that Favre is still great. But no one can convince me that selling your soul — and pride — to get him back is worth the trouble.

He's just one man — and an old one in the twilight of his career at that.

What would have happened had Favre resisted the begging (kidnapping)? What would have happened if Favre had told the Vikes' Three Wise Men, "No thank you, sirs" and stayed retired.

How would they be able to look Tavaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels in the eye and say, "You're our guy" when clearly they were not.

Luckily they won't be faced with that situation. Favre is back ... I think. Yippie.

Mike Kilroy is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.