The news that NFL icon Brett Favre has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease was not met with unanimous sympathy — especially from one woman who was allegedly harassed by the Hall-of-Fame quarterback.
The Packers legend gave a shocking update on his health during a speech to Congress on non-payment and Social Security reform after he was embroiled in a $77 million fraud scandal in Mississippi.
But while Favre’s battle with the disease would normally bring with it feelings of sadness, that’s not the case for former New York Jets announcer Jennifer Sterger.
Sterger posted a few messages about the revelation on her Instagram Story, complimenting the statements with the song “My Kink is Karma” by Chappell Roan.
“PSA: Please don’t send me links to it. I’ve seen it. I can read it,” Sterger’s statement began.
Brett Favre’s recent Parkinson’s diagnosis feels like karma for former Jets announcer Jennifer Sterger
Sterger posted a statement on her Instagram story after Favre revealed his diagnosis
“I don’t wish evil on anyone, but I know Karma never forgets an address. Imagine being diagnosed with such a horrible disease and not having the resources to fight it because a Hall-of-Fame quarterback stole it?
“These are the people who need your attention, support and sympathy. And now at least his photos won’t be sharp. Mississippi, you deserve better.”
In a second post, Sterger encouraged her followers to donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
In 2008, Sterger was a gameday host for the New York Jets, where Favre was quarterback. Sterger allegedly received inappropriate messages and images from Favre during the season.
The NFL launched an investigation into the incident in 2010. Favre was never found guilty of violating the league’s personal conduct policy, but was fined $50,000 for failing to cooperate with the investigation.
When Favre testified before Congress on Tuesday, he read from pre-written notes and began talking about the now-defunct concussion drug company Prevacus, in which he was the largest outside investor.
The company received $2 million from the federal government’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families fund.
“I also unfortunately lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough drug for concussions that I thought would help others,” he said. “I’m sure you can understand that it’s too late for me, having recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but this is also a cause that is close to my heart.”
Favre revealed he is battling Parkinson’s disease during a speech to Congress
Brett Favre poses with his wife Deanna, who previously battled breast cancer
Favre has previously spoken about suffering “thousands” of concussions during his career
Favre, who played 20 years in the NFL, has previously spoken openly about suffering “thousands” of concussions on the football field.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintentional or uncontrollable movements, including stiffness, tremors, and balance problems.
It’s unclear what causes the disease, but scientists think it’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Last year, Favre became embroiled in the largest fraud case in state history when he was named in a civil lawsuit filed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
It is alleged that at least $77 million in social funds intended for needy families were instead funneled to the rich and powerful, while $8 million went to Favre himself or to causes he supported.
Favre, who denies any wrongdoing and has not faced any criminal charges, paid back $1.1 million in two installments in 2020 and 2021, but is still being pursued by Mississippi State Auditor Shad White for $727,000 in interest.
The NFL icon also recently sued former NFL players and media commentators Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee over comments made about him and the funds.
Favre, pictured playing for the New York Jets, clutches his head after falling to the field in 2008
Favre sits next to his wife Deanna at the 2015 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, California
Favre walks the red carpet at the ESPYs with his family, including his wife Deanna (center)
Jennifer Sterger conducts an on-field interview for the New York Jets in August 2008
McAfee’s lawsuit was dropped after he publicly apologized for telling viewers of his popular ESPN show that Favre was “stealing from the poor people of Mississippi.”
Favre is currently being heard by the House Finance Committee, asking whether “restrictions” should be placed on the distribution of the “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families” funds.
Sterger reflects on a series of tweets she posted in 2022, around the time Favre was in hot water over the Social Security Fund controversy, and laments the way she became so well-known.
“To think that my legacy and everything anyone knows about me… can be summed up in the title ‘The Brett Favre Girl,’ is not only disgusting. It’s disheartening,” Sterger wrote.
‘When I think of all the jobs people have kept from me, that I was definitely eligible for, simply because access to HIM, his interviews, his ‘legacy’ and stardom were more important than any form of reparations I was entitled to.
“The media has played a sick and twisted role in painting me as a bad guy just because I ‘looked a certain way.’ And none of them have issued a correction, although some outlets, like NFL.com, have removed articles, but not the search engine data to show they are still in the system somewhere.
‘Or the big PR concerns like Sunshine Sachs who launched a nasty attack on me and my character on behalf of the Jets… I was 28 years old and didn’t stand a chance.
“People are complicated, flawed creatures. And bad people do bad things. But the truth is, I forgave Brett Favre a long time ago for what he did to me: cost me my job just because I wouldn’t sleep with him. I’ve forgiven the NFL. I’ve forgiven the media. But it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done … forgiving people who never deserved it, let alone asked for it.”
