Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre is the reason that a fair number of adult fans today originally fell in love with the game of football. For 15 years, the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee took the field every single Sunday (or Monday night), creating one of the greatest legacies Green Bay had ever seen. Few played the game with such reckless abandon, and few have reached the high level of success that he achieved.
Unfortunately, that legacy has become tarnished in the eyes of many fans, even those that cheered for him the hardest during his days with the Packers. His demeanor and attitude towards Aaron Rodgers and the way he left Green Bay (and maneuvered himself into a position to sign with the Minnesota Vikings) left a sour taste in the mouths of his former supporters.
His behavior off the field, too, tarnished his image for those that used to root for him. Two scandals involving multiple women and accusations of sexual harassment on his part, while his wife was battling breast cancer, came to light during his two seasons with the Vikings.
And then there was/is the Mississippi Welfare Scandal.
Former Green Bay Packers Quarterback Brett Favre Is Accused of Stealing Millions of Dollars from Needy Families in Mississippi
As fans know by now, Favre is accused of being a participant in defrauding the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) fund in Mississippi. Along with several other defendants, the Packers legend is accused of stealing millions of dollars meant for poor families in his home state. Mississippi happens to have the highest poverty rate in the nation.
While Favre has denied any wrongdoing, and while he has not been indicted nor convicted of any crimes, one of his business partners, Jake VanLandingham, the founder of Prevacus, pled guilty to wire fraud in connection to the scandal.
For his part, Favre has also been ordered to repay over $1 million to the state. He was apparently paid for a series of speaking engagements for which he failed to show up.
On Tuesday, Favre was called to testify before Congress, specifically before a Republican-led committee that is investigating multiple states and their misuse of TANF funds.
During his testimony, where he maintained his innocence, Favre revealed that he had lost money, too, because of VanLandingham’s crime. He also revealed that he had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Hall-of-Fame QB Brett Favre announced that he recently was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. pic.twitter.com/dU0RL0nmsH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 24, 2024
“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought 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.
“This is also a cause dear to my heart. Recently, the doctor, running the company pleaded guilty to taking (public) money for his own use.”
Former Green Bay Packers Quarterback Brett Favre Receives the Same Message from Multiple Fans
Packers13 Spt Lynn 16
After the news of his diagnosis went viral on Tuesday, Favre shared the following message on X (formerly Twitter):
First, I want to thank God for all He has done in my life.
Next, thanks to Congress for giving me the platform to discuss a much needed TANF reform.
As you know, I was recently diagnosed w/ Parkinson’s which has been an ordeal. My wife, family, and friends have been…
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) September 24, 2024
While there were some fans wishing him best wishes in his replies, many comments and reposts had a similar theme and message:
When you find yourself in a moment of “well damn this is an awful diagnosis” because of how debilitating Parkinson’s is to people
And then you remember “well damn this dude isn’t really worthy of much sympathy” due to his actions https://t.co/h9O5HZeaYt
— Daniel O’Connell (@Beard_82) September 24, 2024
God watching you steal millions from poor people in your home state https://t.co/MuFrtO4tdq pic.twitter.com/TMOrmW3OUi
— Judy Gemstone stan account (@CourtlandOlson) September 24, 2024
Do all of us with Parkinson’s a favor. Don’t start a foundation for the disease for you to funnel money into your own pockets. https://t.co/Y1Ot7QdxOh pic.twitter.com/3iOvfJeRal
— Ryan Louis (@RyanLouisIV) September 25, 2024
I wouldn’t wish this disease on anyone so I’m not on u an hope u find peace in your health. But u stealing from so many of people that were so poor makes it very hard for me to curb my thoughts on u as a person in general. Not that my opinion matters but best way I can say it https://t.co/sp6jqB9VGU
— 💵Winning Sports Picks💸 (@GetTheseWinners) September 25, 2024
God gave you parkinsons til u do right by them people https://t.co/tj4d4Gr4MV
— Crushy ☪️ (@FyneAxxFxckB) September 24, 2024
As one can see, many fans are finding it hard to feel sympathy for Favre due to what he is accused of doing in the Mississippi Welfare Scandal.
As mentioned previously, Favre has not been indicted nor convicted of any crimes. Additionally, the prosecuting attorney in his case is currently under investigation by the FBI.
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