Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre is one of the most divisive figures in sports today. While he has been retired for more than a decade, Favre remains, or was, a hugely popular athlete among both Packers and NFL fans. However, some of the things he allegedly did during his playing career, as well as events that allegedly occurred afterward, have made him extremely controversial.
On Thursday, the TNT docuseries “Rich and Shameless” broadcast the fifth episode of its second season, “Brett Favre: Out of Bounds.” The 45-minute episode can be viewed on any provider that offers TNT.
The documentary is, undoubtedly, quite one-sided, but this could possibly be because Favre refused to engage in any interviews for it. The only former Packers player shown is Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, who briefly discussed what it was like to play with Favre but not what happened off the field.
While the majority of what is stated about Favre in the media now focuses on his current welfare problem, this video delves into a number of other unpleasant episodes during his playing career. That being said, there are a few fascinating things that fans can learn from watching it.
1. Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has not been charged with any crimes.
As previously said, the episode addresses the scandals in which Favre was involved during his playing career. These include the illicit text messages sent to New York Jets sideline reporter Jen Sterger, a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him by two massage therapists after he joined the Minnesota Vikings, and, of course, the current Mississippi welfare controversy.
As of now, Favre has not been charged with any crimes in connection with the current welfare scam, however he has refunded the state more than $1 million for failing to appear for paid speaking engagements.
However, some cases filed by and against Favre were settled out of court. These include the massage therapists’ lawsuit against him as well as his own against Shannon Sharpe.
2. Brett Favre was just as popular in Mississippi as he was with Green Bay Packers fans.
According to one content producer interviewed for the video, Favre’s hometown of Kiln, Mississippi, is filled with his memorabilia. “He is the embodiment of a local hero,” he stated.
Brad Franklin, a Mississippi writer and activist, said about Favre:
“My memories of watching the Super Bowl were, ‘Hey, that’s Mississippi right there. He’s from southern Mississippi. I recall him playing at USM and winning the Super Bowl. You know, plenty of respect.
“Mississippi is among the poorest states in the country. And if you’re from Mississippi and win the Super Bowl, you’ve made it to Mount Rushmore. So that was a proud moment.”
As much as Packers supporters felt cheated when Favre signed with the Vikings (which is also covered in the documentary), Mississippians feel even more deceived as a result of this welfare scam. Football, after all, is a game. Favre is suspected of stealing from the welfare fund, which is practically a lifeline for thousands of people.
Watching the video and hearing from those affected by the controversy provides a new perspective on the gravity of what Favre is suspected of (but has not been charged with).
3) Brett Favre was notoriously frugal with his money.
Brett Favre made more than $100 million during his NFL career. According to the documentary, this does not include the tens of millions of dollars he earned through endorsement deals.
However, when it came to spending money, Favre was notoriously frugal.
Dylan Tomlinson, a Packers reporter, was interviewed for the documentary. He says at one point:
“I’ve had lunch with Aaron Rodgers about three times, and he always picked up the check. As contrast to how Brett was. He left before the check touched the table.”
According to Maggie Mahoney, a management team member of Brett Favre’s Steakhouse in Green Bay, he has a conventional upbringing. Hard laborers. You never throw away money. He enjoys hunting, hanging out with his mates, and mowing the grass. He hasn’t asked for much from life. Which is why, when the accusations first surfaced, I thought, ‘Why would he do that? That makes no sense. He could definitely just write a check.
Later in the documentary, she shares a story about how he used a credit card at his own steakhouse. She ran the card, but it didn’t work because it wasn’t activated. Favre was confused when she told him this. He had no idea that in order to activate a credit card, you had to phone the company.
He asked whether she’d do it for him.
She replied, “No.” “This is your card!”
The judicial system has yet to play out in relation to his welfare problems, but the documentary certainly painted an ugly picture of Favre, even if that is ignored.
