NFL Legend Brett Favre Set to be Deposed in Mississippi Welfare Scandal
On October 26, 2023, the eyes of Hattiesburg, Miss., will be on one individual: retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre. According to a deposition notice filed in the Hinds County Circuit Court on October 2, 2023, Favre is slated to give a sworn testimony in connection with the Mississippi welfare scandal.
Jones Walker LLP, the firm conducting the deposition, has stated that the testimony will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Hotel Indigo, located in Hattiesburg, Miss., where Favre resides. This deposition is set to continue "from day to day until completed" and will be carried out orally before a court reporter who has the legal authority to take depositions and administer oaths. Notably, the deposition will be recorded stenographically and might also be video recorded.
However, there's a cloud of uncertainty surrounding when this testimony will be made public. The State had, on September 22, motioned for the court to implement a protective order. This order would classify all deposition testimonies as "Confidential or Highly Confidential", potentially keeping them hidden from both media and the public eye for a period of 30 days. Depending on the deposition's completion date, the public may have to wait until late November or early December to learn more.
Although Favre hasn't been accused by either federal or state investigators of a crime concerning the welfare scandal, he finds himself in the crosshairs of the Mississippi Department of Human Services' civil lawsuit. This lawsuit aims to recoup millions of dollars believed to have been misallocated.
A throwback to 2020 reveals that Favre reimbursed $500,000 out of a $1.1 million he had previously received. These funds, originating from the Temporary Assistance For Needy Families, were intended for Favre to deliver motivational talks and create advertisements. The remaining $600,000 was paid back by Favre following a formal demand from the state auditor's office in 2021.
The ex-NFL star is also facing demands from MDHS attorneys to repay millions in welfare funds. These were reportedly directed by the then MDHS Director, John Davis, and the indicted leader of a nonprofit, Nancy New, for various projects connected to Favre.
Evidence suggests that Brett Favre actively sought assistance from both Davis and New. A text from August 3, 2017, has Favre questioning New about the potential media fallout if he were to be paid, especially in relation to a proposed volleyball stadium funding at the University of Southern Mississippi, where Favre's daughter played volleyball.
However, Favre has refuted claims that he knew the funds in question were sourced from welfare. The text messages also don't conclusively prove that he was informed about the involvement of TANF money. While Favre did approach former Gov. Phil Bryant for aid, Bryant has refuted any involvement in channeling welfare funds for Favre's initiatives.
With numerous layers to this unfolding story and potential implications for many involved, all eyes will be on Hattiesburg come October 26.
For more comprehensive coverage on the Mississippi welfare scandal and other stories of significance, stay tuned to Ed White Law.