Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre revealed during a congressional hearing on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This degenerative disorder affects the brain, leading to movement issues. Favre spoke at a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on welfare reform.
He discussed Prevacus, a company working on a concussion drug that received $2 million from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. Favre was a major investor in Prevacus. He started asking state officials for funding in November 2018.
“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others,” Favre said. “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.”
A 2020 study found that a single concussion increases Parkinson’s disease risk by 57%. Multiple concussions raise the danger even more.
In a 2018 interview, Favre, 54, mentioned only “three or four” concussions. However, he believes he may have suffered over 1,000 concussions during his NFL career.
“When you have ringing of the ears, seeing stars, that’s a concussion,” Favre told the “Today” show. “And if that is a concussion, I’ve had hundreds, maybe thousands, throughout my career, which is frightening.”
The news about his health overshadowed Favre’s testimony on TANF, the welfare funds at the center of a Mississippi case. At least $77 million in TANF funds were misused, according to a 2019 audit. Favre is among dozens facing a lawsuit to recover the funds. He denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged.
In July, Prevacus’ founder, Jacob VanLandingham, became the seventh person to plead guilty in the welfare case. He admitted to using Mississippi welfare money for personal debts.
During the hearing, Favre advocated for more federal oversight of TANF funds. The NFL legend stated the welfare scandal had severely impacted his life.
“I was well received pretty much anywhere I went. That changed, understandably so. The fact that I was branded a person who stole welfare money, that’s the lowest of the low,” he said. “And it couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Favre claimed he was unaware of TANF funds when seeking Prevacus funding and for a volleyball facility at his alma mater. He also received $1.1 million in TANF funds for speeches he never made. He eventually repaid the money.
“I had no way of knowing that there was anything wrong with how the state funded the project,” he said.
Text messages from 2017 reveal Favre’s curiosity about the funding source. He inquired if the media could uncover the details. He also wondered if his role as a spokesperson for state-funded projects would be kept confidential.
Favre accused state auditor Shad White of tarnishing his reputation. White’s office uncovered the fraud, leading to Favre’s involvement in the scandal.
“The challenges my family and I faced over the last three years are immense,” Favre stated. He blamed government officials for failing to protect federal funds from fraud. This has damaged his reputation more than any football challenge.
White, who is being sued by Favre for defamation, declined to testify at the congressional hearing. This decision has sparked further controversy.
Favre mentioned that the state is using TANF funds to pay his legal fees. He is suing the state, along with other defendants. The gag order prevents him from commenting further.
Favre, known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings, received a warm welcome at the hearing. His football legacy was celebrated, and he signed a Packers jersey before leaving.
“I’m not mad at you about much,” Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) said. “But I’m mad you couldn’t stay with the Atlanta Falcons.”
Favre faced tough questions from Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) about his role in the welfare fraud. He denied paying the demanded interest and questioned the ethics of diverting TANF funds.
Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) shared that Favre’s celebrity status was the reason for his invitation. Committee chairman Jason Smith (R-Missouri) did not respond to an interview request.
Jarvis Dortch, the executive director for American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, highlighted the disparity in how people are treated. Dortch pointed out that while ordinary individuals face severe consequences for minor infractions, celebrities like Favre are given a platform to speak without scrutiny.
“If someone in Mississippi is … accused of misspending $50 in SNAP benefits, that person’s life will be turned upside down,” Dortch said. “Mr. Favre is right here, and he is accused of misspending a million dollars, and he’s speaking before Congress. Something is wrong when we let that stay in place.”
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