Mississippi’s state auditor, Shad White, takes legal action by filing court documents on Monday, February 5, 2024. White insists that Brett Favre repays the state for misappropriated welfare funds. White alleges the misuse of these funds for projects the retired NFL quarterback supported.
The approximately $730,000 demand adds a new chapter to the ongoing legal battle surrounding funds to help the poor in one of the nation’s poorest states. Notably, Brett Favre is a distinguished member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, residing in Mississippi.
In February 2023, Favre filed lawsuits accusing State Auditor Shade White and two national sportscasters of publicly defaming him. The defamation was public and, of course, about welfare misspending.
In 2020, Shad White said Brett Favre had improperly received $1.1 million in speaking fees. A nonprofit organization authorized by the Mississippi Department of Human Services reportedly spent the welfare money.
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Specifically, they constructed a volleyball arena with money for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. They reportedly built the arena at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Favre, an alumnus of the university, led the fundraising initiatives for the facility. However, critics think it could be because his daughter started playing on the team in 2017. In a recent court filing, White’s attorney noted that Favre lacked any legal entitlement to possess or control the $1.1 million.
Moreover, despite repaying $500,000 to the state in May 2020 and $600,000 in October 2021, the updated documents show that he still owes $729,790. This results from the accrued interest on the initial amount Favre owed.
On Monday, White expressed how it still boggles the mind that Favre believes he has the “right to the equivalent of an interest-free loan.” This loan is “$1.1 million in taxpayer money, especially money intended for the benefit of the poor.”
On Monday, the Associated Press contacted two of Favre’s attorneys, leaving voicemail messages. However, there was no immediate response. Notably, last October, a federal judge dismissed Favre’s defamation lawsuit.
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The dismissed lawsuit was against Shannon Sharpe, a former NFL player who is now a broadcaster. Moreover, Favre dropped his lawsuit against sportscaster Pat McAfee, a former NFL punter, in May 2023.
McAfee apologized for his on-air comments accusing Favre of “stealing from poor people in Mississippi.” Favre’s lawsuit against White is pending, with White’s filing on Monday serving as a counterclaim in the legal battle.
Mississippi prosecutors alleged that millions of federal welfare dollars, meant for low-income residents, were misused on specific projects. In a lawsuit by the Department of Human Services in 2022, the TANF was misused.
The lawsuit cited $5 million for the volleyball arena among the projects Favre supported. Additionally, he cited $1.7 million directed toward the development of a concussion treatment drug. Notably, as of now, Favre faces no criminal charges. However, former department officials pleaded guilty to their part in funds misallocation.
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