Brett Favre Files Motion To Dismiss $1 Million Welfare Fraud Suit Against Him

Brett Favre is attempting to shut down a bombshell civil lawsuit that was filed against himself and his businesses for allegedly misappropriating over $1 million in Mississippi welfare funds. This suit is part of several other attempts by the Mississippi Department of Human Resources to recover over $20 million in welfare funds that were “squandered” by companies and individuals who promised to use them properly to benefit families in poverty.

The crux of the issue with Favre was apparently that while this money was meant for Mississippi families, the money instead went to paying for several public appearances from Favre that never even happened. Favre was born in Mississippi

His lawyers have claimed that Favre is being unfairly targeted in this suit as a famous athlete. “Mr. Favre never had any control over how Mississippi spent its welfare funds. He never made any misrepresentations to anyone,” his attorney Eric Herschmann claimed.

Herschmann also said that Favre was not made aware that the money was meant for the Mississippi welfare program. This statement, which was filed in court, also said, “including Favre in this lawsuit has had the intended effect–it has attracted national media attention to this case.”

While Favre eventually paid back the money as of late last year, the Mississippi State Auditor Shad White claims he is still on the hook for interest payments that were collected while he had the funds, which total approximately $228,000.

Favre is not facing charges, but six others involved have been charged with fraud in this scheme. These included mother and son Nancy and Zachary New, who both pleaded guilty to fraud charges including misusing welfare money that they received from Mississippi’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program.

The New family, who ran the Mississippi Community Education Center, reportedly spent the money on several things, and one included $4 million for a new volleyball center at the University of Southern Missouri, Favre’s alma mater. This project received public support from Favre, whose daughter played volleyball at that University for several years until she transferred to LSU this past summer.

There is also some evidence that Favre sought welfare funds to provide a more modern practice facility for the USM football team. A September court filing revealed text messages between Favre and the state’s then-Gov. Phil Bryant (R), which reportedly showed Favre making the request.