New Text Messages Indicate Brett Favre May Have Known He Would Receive Welfare Funds & Allegedly Asked For Assurances That The Media Would Not Find Out
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According to Mississippi Today, a series of text messages have surfaced that could potentially contradict NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Brett Favre’s claim that he had nothing to do with a federal welfare scandal that has been called “the largest public corruption case in the last two decades,” by the state’s auditor. The case also allegedly involved former MS Governor Phil Bryant. Favre previously claimed that he had no knowledge of the fact that the $1.1 million dollars he received had come from welfare funds that were meant for families in need.
However, new text messages entered into evidence in a lawsuit against the former Governor, show Favre allegedly asking, whether the media would be able to find out where the funds he was going to receive had come from. The exchange between Favre and nonprofit group founder Nancy New, loosely indicates Favre may have known where the funds were coming from and had concerns the public would find out. New pled guilty to 13 felony counts related to the scandal earlier this year.
Attorneys allege that Bryant was assisting Favre with a proposal for the funding of a new volleyball stadium at the University of Southern Miss. Favre’s daughter reportedly played volleyball for Southern Miss. In the exchange New assures Favre that the funds he receives, the amount and where they came from would not be made public. She also writes that she spoke to Bryant and he would be on board. Subsequent text exchanges between New and Bryant seem to support this.
“Just left Brett Favre. Can we help him with his project. We should meet soon to see how I can make sure we keep your projects on course,” Bryant reportedly said to New via text in July of 2019.
Mississippi Today writes that Bryant sent the text a few days after the departure of John Davis, the former welfare agency director who left after he was suspected of engaging in fraud. The screenshots were submitted by an attorney representing New’s nonprofit organization. The evidence reportedly shows Bryant responding to Favre’s question about how the departure of Davis, and a new agency director, will affect their plans.
Adam Ganucheau of Mississippi Today posted a screenshot of the alleged conversation between Favre and New on social media.
The $70 million the state received to help needy families came from a fund for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Favre was ordered to repay the money he received from the welfare fund, plus interest, by the Mississippi state auditor.
Among those also accused of being paid in federal welfare funds are former WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase Jr., former Oklahoma running back Marcus Dupree, and fitness trainer Paul LaCoste. DiBiase was allegedly paid $3.9 million to also serve as a motivational speaker. NBC News reports that LaCoste and Dupree were paid a combined $670,000. The auditor calls the misspending from Mississippi’s federal welfare funds the “largest public corruption case in the past two decades.”
Favre has reportedly repaid the fees, but not the $228,000 interest fee that the auditor also demanded. Holmes stated that this welfare fraud case has been following his client for more than two years, according to Ken Dilanian and Laura Strickler of NBC News. Favre is currently not facing any criminal charges, and claimed that he was not aware the money he was paid came from welfare funds.
The 52-year-old enjoyed a successful career in the NFL after 20 seasons, making approximately $140 million in salary alone as an NFL quarterback. Favre has amassed multiple accolades including becoming a Super Bowl Champion, a 3x All-Pro, a 3x NFL MVP, and a 11x Pro Bowler. Favre played for the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Flacons, New York Jets, and the Minnesota Vikings.
Mississippi Today has more HERE.
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