### Brett Favre Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease Amid Welfare Fraud Scandal

Former Green Bay Packers star quarterback Brett Favre has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The revelation came during a congressional hearing addressing the misappropriation of federal funds destined for needy families, part of a $77 million welfare fraud scandal in Mississippi with which Favre has been associated.

Mike McCarthy, the former coach of the Green Bay Packers and current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, expressed his support for Favre when asked about the diagnosis. “I heard the news this morning and I reached out,” McCarthy said. “Tremendous man, and obviously it touches all of us. Brett has worked with a lot of people in this building. Our hearts, our prayers and our thoughts go out to him and his family.”

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also commented on Favre's diagnosis while speaking in Menasha. "We wish him the best. It's a tough road," Evers stated, adding that he has friends who are also battling the disease.

Favre's announcement comes at a time when his public involvement in a welfare fraud scandal continues to attract significant attention. Although Favre has not been charged with a crime, he is being sued by Mississippi's Department of Human Services for approximately $730,000 in unpaid interest. This debt stems from $1.1 million he received for speaking engagements that, according to a state audit, never occurred. Favre has returned the original $1.1 million but denies any knowledge that $5 million, which was used to build a volleyball facility at his alma mater, was sourced from federal funds meant for disadvantaged populations in Mississippi.

The fallout from the scandal has brought back past controversies involving Favre, including accusations from Jenn Sterger, a former New York Jets on-air host, who alleged that Favre sent her explicit texts during his tenure with the team in 2008. Favre admitted to sending voicemails to Sterger and was fined $50,000 for lack of cooperation with the NFL's investigation, although he was not suspended.

Sterger recently addressed the news of Favre's diagnosis on her Instagram story, cautioning against forgetting the ongoing scandal. "I don't wish bad things on anyone, but I know Karma never forgets an address," she wrote. "Imagine being diagnosed with such a terrible disease and not having the resources to fight it because some Hall-of-Fame quarterback stole it?"

As Favre navigates his health challenges, the legal and public scrutiny surrounding the welfare fraud case remains a significant issue, complicating his legacy and ongoing public life.