Court Filing: Brett Favre Sought Facility Funds Despite Being Warned of Illegality

According to a court filing, the University of Southern Mississippi was told misuse of state welfare funds could be against the law.

The revelation came out in text messages that were sent over a period of time.

The founder of a non-profit who paid him has some limited control over Federal Funds in the form of Grants for Children and adults in the Low Income Community.

The funds were tightly controlled and any improper use could result in a violation of federal law. The use of these funds is being reviewed by auditors.

After a meeting they had with others in which they discussed requesting an additional $1.8 million to $2 million in funding for programs at the new facility, they asked Bryant for his help.

Your name is the perfect choice for this facility, and we are not taking no for an answer. Bryant, you are a Southern Miss Alumni, and people need to know you support the University.

Bryant said that they were going to get there. The meeting was a success. We have to obey the law. I'm old for federal prison.

The court filing shows that Bryant continued to press for state funds, first from DHS and later in a legislative appropriation.

According to the filing, after Bryant left office in January 2020, he responded to a request for help by saying he would contact the president of Southern Mississippi.

On the day after that exchange, Bryant was told by text that he spoke with the new governor of Mississippi and that he should keep pressing him.

Bryant was told by Bennett not to do the things he was doing to seek funding from state agencies and the legislature.

Bryant said that he might want the state to pay off his promises. I like all of the other people. He is a legend but he doesn't know what a pledge is. I've tried to explain that to him.

In May, the Mississippi Department of Human Services filed a civil lawsuit over misuse of welfare funds that were supposed to be used to address poverty in the state.

The state is trying to get back some of the federal funds.

A new volleyball stadium at the University of Southern Mississippi was built using at least $5 million in funding from the state's welfare funds, which was secured by the father of one of the players.

John Davis was the former head of the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

Six people were arrested in February of 2020 Nancy New, the founder of the nonprofit, pleaded guilty to fraud and bribe charges.

He promised to repay the welfare money he received for speeches he never made. According to the state of Mississippi, the Pro Football Hall of Fame still owes money.