Sep
Brett Favre Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis During Congressional Hearing
Former NFL star and Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease while testifying before Congress about allegations of misusing taxpayer funds.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Favre, 54, discussed his situation as part of a lawsuit involving 20 individuals, filed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services, which accused them of a “gross misuse” of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds.
According to the Associated Press, Favre contended that state officials did not adequately safeguard federal TANF funds from fraud and then shifted the blame onto him. He shared, “I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a groundbreaking concussion drug that would help others. And I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me, because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.”
Favre emphasized the importance of the issue, stating, “This is also a cause dear to my heart. Recently, the doctor running the company pleaded guilty to misusing TANF funds. I believe I got caught up in a civil lawsuit.” He further explained, “When this started, I didn’t even know what TANF was. Now I understand it’s one of the most crucial welfare programs in the country for those in need.”
A representative for Favre did not immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly’s request for additional comments.
An audit by state officials revealed that $5 million in TANF funds were improperly used to construct a volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi, where Favre’s daughter played. Additionally, $1.7 million was allocated to the pharmaceutical company Prevacus, in which Favre was an investor. The company claimed to have developed a nasal spray for treating concussions, though it was ultimately found to be less effective than initially advertised.
Favre has publicly stated that he was unaware the funds originated from the state’s welfare budget and has since repaid $1.1 million to Mississippi. He has not faced criminal charges related to the allegations.
Since retiring from the NFL in 2011, Favre has spoken candidly about the long-term effects of injuries sustained during his career, including memory loss.
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