Brett Favre, the former quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, disclosed to Congress on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This revelation was made during his testimony regarding his potential misappropriation of taxpayer funds.
Favre has been accused of inappropriately utilizing political connections to redirect public money to his alma mater and his own pocket while appearing before the House Ways and Means Committee.
“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,” Farve told congress.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that results in uncontrolled or unintended movements.
Over time, symptoms, including problems with balance and coordination and trembling, progressively deteriorate and frequently progress to speech and walking difficulties.
On Tuesday, Favre, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 and played 20 seasons in the NFL, was in Washington to address inquiries regarding his receipt of funds from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
According to a state auditor, the Hall of Fame quarterback received program funds for speaking engagements that he never attended.
Favre was also accused of utilizing his connections to former Governor Phil Bryant to advocate for TANF funds to be allocated to a new volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter was a player.
Favre has not been criminally prosecuted; however, he is repaying a portion of the money.
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