Faking Brett Favre’s autograph is never a good idea. Do it in Green Bay and you’ll spend six months in the pokey.
He had a sports memorabilia shop. The Packers were still winning and fans were still buying Brett Favre autographs. Or so they thought.
There were prints Michael Van Lanen was selling that had never been touched by No. 4. A big investigation ensued, then arrests. Now the perpetrator is going to have plenty of time to find another profession. Michael "Whitey" Van Lanen has been sentenced to six months in jail and community service time. He also has to pay back his victims and make a donation to Favre’s charity.
"I feel bad for the people who are involved in this," Favre said. "I feel bad for people who are wondering if some of the things they’ve paid for are real or not real. And I hate that my name is even involved in it."
Favre said the collectible business is so big now that fakes will always be prevalent, but he hopes the case is a beacon to everyone involved.
"Hopefully it makes people think twice before they forge something and also people to think twice before they go out and buy something," he said.
Authentic Favre autographs at ProSportsMemorabilia.com
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