NFL legend Terrell Owens has spoken out in defense of Daejon Love, a man who defrauded 26 women of $1.3 million by falsely claiming to be a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. Owens suggested that Love's punishment and public infamy may be disproportionate to his alleged crimes, particularly when compared to other public figures.
"It's unfortunate what has happened. I'm just shocked... So many other people have done far worse things than him, and he's getting the headlines for scamming some women out of $1.3 million," Owens said, according to The Morning Roast.
Owens then drew a parallel to NFL quarterback Brett Favre, referencing allegations of financial misconduct against the former Green Bay Packers star. "49ers in the news again for all the wrong reasons. And I know this is probably not good to say, but you look at what he's done, scamming women out of X amount of dollars, Brett Favre scammed a lot of people outta money too, and he's still walking around. So if that's the case, Brett Favre should be in jail too," Owens stated.
Owens elaborated on his comparison, accusing Favre of defrauding "a bunch of kids, and a lot of organizations, charitable organizations, out of lots, and lots, and lots of millions of dollars."
The controversy surrounding Brett Favre stems from allegations that he improperly used federal welfare funds in Mississippi. In 2017 and 2018, Favre was paid $1.1 million for speeches that he allegedly did not deliver. These funds were reportedly drawn from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) federal welfare funds. Favre was also reportedly involved in lobbying for a multi-million dollar grant for a drug company in which he held significant shares, and for $5 million towards a new volleyball arena at the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter was on the team.
Mississippi's state auditor has since demanded that Favre repay the funds with interest. While Favre has not been criminally charged and has denied any wrongdoing, civil litigation and legal proceedings related to these matters are ongoing.
