Brett Favre Texts Reveal Former Gov. Phil Bryant Helped Ex-NFL QB in Welfare Scandal

The University of Southern Mississippi's new volleyball venue was the subject of more information coming to light.

The attorney for Nancy New, who led a nonprofit and has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud, released text messages that were shared by Anna Wolfe of Mississippi Today.

New was asked for help on the project by Phil Bryant.

In July of last year, Favre met with representatives from Southern Miss and the New state welfare agency to discuss a new volleyball center. Breleigh was a member of the volleyball team for two years.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services pledged $4 million to help find a way to skirt regulations on the use of TANF funds.

The project was promoted with a contract of more than one million dollars. He told New that he could record a few radio spots and that his compensation would go to USM.

In August of last year, New shared a text from Favre in which he asked if the media could find out where the money came from. That kind of information was never made public by her organization.

An audit from MDHS in May 2020 showed that the state paid for public appearances that he did not make. He immediately responded to the story on social media.

Brett Favre @BrettFavre

2/4 I have never received monies for obligations I didn’t meet. To reiterate Auditors White’s statement, I was unaware that the money being dispersed was paid for out of funds not intended for that purpose, and because of that I am refunding the full amount back to Mississippi.

Brett Favre @BrettFavre

4/4 It has brought a ton of joy to my life, and I would certainly never do anything to take away from the children I have fought to help! I love Mississippi and I would never knowingly do anything to take away from those that need it most.

According to Wolfe's report, the two worked closely with each other. One plan was to put Bryant's name on the building.

Most of the credit for raising funds to build the facility was given to the 11-time Pro Bowler.

The new volleyball venue was reported on by Wolfe in April. Prevacus received over two million dollars in state welfare money.