Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre said he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a stunning revelation made to Congress Tuesday as he testified about his potential misappropriation of taxpayer dollars.
Favre, who is appearing before the House Ways and Means Committee, has been accused of improperly using his political connections to divert public money to his alma mater and into his own pocket.
“Unfortunately, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug that I believed would help others, and I’m sure you can understand why it’s too late for me because I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” Favre told lawmakers.
“It’s also a cause that’s close to my heart. Recently, the doctor who runs the company pleaded guilty to taking (public) money for his own use.”
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disease that causes involuntary or uncontrollable movements.
Symptoms, such as tremors and difficulty with balance and coordination, gradually worsen over time and often progress to difficulty walking and talking.
Favre was in Washington on Tuesday to answer questions about how he received money from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Hall of Fame QB improperly received money from program for speaking engagements he never gave, state auditor says
Favre is also accused of using his connections to former Gov. Phil Bryant to lobby for TANF funds for a new volleyball facility at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter was a player.
Favre was not charged, but he is repaying some of the money.
This is a developing story. Please check back regularly for updates.
Randi Richardson contributed.
