The retired quarterback reportedly influenced Mississippi state’s benefit spending.
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Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre allegedly used his political and business connections to raise taxpayer money for his favorite organization, according to a new report from Mississippi Today’s Anna Wolfe.
Favre reportedly used “special access” to reach Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant and other leaders who tapped the state’s welfare fund, raising millions of dollars for organizations he supports. Favre’s impact includes a $5 million grant for the University of Southern Mississippi’s new volleyball court and $2.15 million in “allegedly stolen funds” from the Mississippi Department of Human Services to a Favre-backed pharmaceutical company called Prevacus.
Favre is also said to have received $1.1 million in benefits for himself.
However, the allegations go far beyond helping decide who gets how much money. Favre reportedly offered to give his stake in Prevacus to Bryant and nonprofit director Nancy New, figures he hoped would help him pay off money owed to the University of Southern Mississippi.
At least $8 million is said to be tied to Favre’s actions throughout the Mississippi welfare scandal investigation. As a spokesman for the Mississippi Family First Program, he has repaid nearly all of the $1 million, but reportedly failed to pay back more than $200,000 in interest on the money he owed.
According to Wolff, Mississippi Department of Public Service Director Bob Anderson previously said he was awaiting approval from the attorney general to formally file civil charges against Favre and others.
Favre initially denied any misappropriation of funds, but Mississippi Today found text messages to the contrary.
In 2018, Jake VanLandingham, the owner of Prevacus and Favre’s business partner, reportedly texted Favre “asking what the governor has rules to compensate him”.
“The group texted the governor and told him we wanted to give him the shares but didn’t want to cause trouble for anyone,” Favre replied in a text message.
Additionally, Favre reportedly texted then-MDHS director John Davis that he and New Favre could help pay for the University of Southern Mississippi.
“We thank you, Brett, and stand ready to support you. I don’t see it as sticking our necks out, but helping a friend and possibly more in need of treatment,” Davis wrote back.
There are other text messages reportedly showing Favre’s involvement in all of these allegations, including
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