Throughout the Mississippi welfare scandal investigation, Green Bay Packers legendary quarterback Brett Favre has maintained knowledge of the fact that roughly $1 million in welfare funds he received came from money meant for families in need. According to an article from Mississippi Today, a series of text messages contradict Favre’s claim of innocence.
According to the report, messages entered as evidence into the lawsuit on Sept. 12 appear to show then-Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant helping Favre with the funding proposal for a new volleyball stadium at Southern Mississippi University — his alma mater and the same school where his daughter played volleyball. Bryant’s messages also show him texting nonprofit group founder Nancy New, who earlier this year plead guilty to 13 felony counts relating to the scandal.
A damning text message sent by Favre to the former governor if the media could potentially find out where the money came from, to which New replied no because they’ve never made that information public:
Favre has already been questioned by the FBI and has repaid $1.1 million that was reportedly given to him for motivational speeches he did not give. The money he received was part of approximately $77 million in funds from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Allegedly, $5 million went to the volleyball stadium project. Favre still owes $228,000 in interest and could be taken to court by the state of Mississippi if he does not pay in full.
Favre’s attorney has yet to release any new public statements after the text messages were shared publicly.
