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Anthony OlivieriESPN.com
After being told by the then-Gov. that he was not allowed to pay for any new facilities at the University of Southern Mississippi, Brett Favre, an NFL Hall of Famer, continued to press Mississippi officials for assistance. Text messages found in a court filing by Phil Bryant indicate that Phil Bryant believes the misuse of state welfare money could be illegal.
Favre, who was not charged in Mississippi’s huge welfare scandal, said through lawyers that he didn’t know where the money came from.
Bryant sent Favre a text on July 28th 2019, stating that Bryant, the founder of a non-profit who paid Favre, “has some limited control” over Federal Funds. He was referring to Grants for Children and Adults in the Low Income Community.
“Use these funds [is] Bryant said that Bryant was strict in his control, according to the filing. Bryant wrote, according to the filing. “Any inappropriate use could lead to violation of Federal Law. Auditors are currently reviewing these funds.
According to the 62-page file, Favre still pushed for a $6million volleyball facility. The filing objects to a subpoena of documents from the former governor in a lawsuit stemming out of the state scandal.
According to the filing Favre sent Bryant a text on Sept. 4, 2019 after meeting with Bryant to discuss asking for an additional $1.8 million-2 million for programs at the new facility.
Favre wrote, “We clearly need your help hugely and time is working against me,” We feel your name is the best choice for this facility, and we won’t take No for an answer. Southern Miss Alumni is something you should know.
Bryant replied that he was going to do it. It was a wonderful meeting. We have to obey the law. I am to[o] Federal Prison is too old
Favre’s lawyer, The Holmes Law Firm, didn’t immediately return calls from ESPN on Friday or Saturday.
Billy Quin, a lawyer representing Bryant, said to ESPN that the filing showed that Favre “continued pressuring for state funds, both from DHS and later through a legislative appropriation.”
Quin stated that Bryant told Favre that DHS expenditures would need to be approved and inspected by the auditor of the state.
Favre sought Bryant’s assistance on Jan. 26, 2020 to get a legislative authorization to pay his personal debt. Bryant sent Favre a text the same day to inform him that he would be reaching out to Rodney Bennett, the then-Southern Miss president.
Bryant received a text from Favre the next day confirming that he had spoken “Tate”, current Mississippi Governor. Tate Reeves — and asked Bryant to keep pressing, according to the filing. Bryant also sent Bennett a text message, and he replied that he had “asked Brett to not do the things” he was doing to secure funding from state agencies.
“IHL, as you know, is a human rights organization. [Mississippi’s higher education system] Bennett explained that there is a process to request and receive approval for projects. But what he is doing isn’t in line with these guidelines. I will be looking for a way to get him off the ground. We proceeded based on his promise and handshake. It’s now time for him to make good on his promise.
Bryant said, “Maybe that he wants the government to fulfill his promises.” As with all of you, I like Brett. He is a legend, but he must understand what a pledge is. I tried many times.[s] “I will explain it to him.”
Favre is one of the defendants in a civil suit by the state over misappropriated welfare funds. According to Mississippi Today’s investigation, auditors from the state found that welfare funds worth at least $77million were misappropriated or stolen in the biggest case of state fraud in its history.
Six people were taken into custody in February 2020. The majority of those arrested pleaded guilty to the charges, including Nancy New (nonprofit founder), who secured funding for Favre’s project, as well John Davis (ex-director of Mississippi Department of Human Services). Shad White, the State Auditor, stated that civil and criminal investigations are ongoing.
Bryant, who was not charged with any crime, stated in his file that he didn’t know about attempts to divert state welfare funds. He stated that he had offered his assistance to Favre in raising private donations and corporate sponsorships. According to the filing, the subpoena was issued in bad faith because he refused “to turn a blind eye” to New and Davis’ crimes.
Bryant filed that Bryant “doesn’t contend or imply Favre violated applicable law or that he did no promotional services.” [the nonprofit].”
Favre, 52 years old, has repaid New’s $1.1 million but the state still claims interest totaling $228,000. Southern Miss alumnus and former quarterback Favre claims he never knew the source of the money for the volleyball project.
Bryant’s filing states that Favre also “extended his request for MDHS financing” in the July 28th text exchange to include a new football facility. This will help Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s highly-sought quarterback, to Southern Miss.
“As Deion suspected, Deion’s child asked me where the indoor facility was. I replied [we] You don’t need one. [we] Bryant was notified by Favre that they were hoping to break ground in less time than two years,” Bryant stated, according to the filing. Without your support/commitment, this will not happen! Yes, I understand that we still have the Vball to complete and I’m asking for a lot. But I believe 100% that Nancy will be able to reach many people and aid in the recruiting war. [a new indoor practice facility] USM will be provided[‘s football program] Instant credibility [USM football will] Make your mark again.”