A year on, what you need to know about Brett Favre and the Mississippi welfare case

Final Might, Mississippi native Brett Favre turned embroiled within the largest case of public fraud in state historical past. The Corridor of Fame quarterback was one of many unique 38 defendants named in a civil lawsuit filed by the Mississippi Division of Human Providers (MDHS) looking for to recoup Momentary Help for Needy Households (TANF) funds that have been diverted to the wealthy and highly effective. A state audit discovered that not less than $77 million in welfare funds was misspent.

On the coronary heart of the dispute between MDHS and Favre is a volleyball facility in-built 2019 at Favre’s alma mater, the College of Southern Mississippi. Favre donated his personal cash and helped elevate funds for the power, and textual content messages, which have turn out to be public in authorized filings as a part of the civil lawsuit, present he pushed state officers for funding throughout the time his daughter was on the workforce. The college’s athletic basis obtained $5 million in TANF funds.

In accordance with the state audit and the civil lawsuit, Favre was additionally paid $1.1 million from TANF funds for speeches the auditor says Favre by no means made. He ultimately paid the cash again, however the auditor has demanded he additionally pay $228,000 in curiosity. Prevacus, an organization growing a concussion drug wherein Favre was the highest exterior investor and stockholder, additionally obtained TANF funds.

Eight individuals have been indicted, six of whom have pleaded responsible for his or her involvement, together with former MDHS director John Davis and Nancy New, the top of the Mississippi Group Schooling Heart (MCEC), a nonprofit by which a lot of the funding flowed. Favre has denied wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged. Final week, a decide filed a suppression order limiting pre-trial publicity till the case, which now has 47 defendants, goes to trial or is resolved. A spokesperson for Favre declined to remark.

A 12 months since Favre’s alleged involvement turned public, the investigation is ongoing, and lots of questions stay. Here is what we all know by court docket filings, textual content messages and different paperwork obtained by ESPN, offered in uncorrected type.

April 20, 2017: Favre texts Mississippi governor Phil Bryant. “… Deanna and I are constructing a volleyball facility on campus and I would like your affect one way or the other to get donations and or sponsorships …” Favre’s textual content reads partially. Bryant responds that he’s “all in.”

June 15, 2017: A report from a USM Athletic Basis board assembly notes that Favre gave $650,000 for the volleyball venture.

June 23, 2017: Favre emails FedEx founder and chairman Frederick W. Smith: “Deanna and I wished to do one thing for Southern Miss so we determined to construct a Vball facility on campus …” he writes. “… I do know there is not a number of publicity in volleyball however I assumed I might ask anyway in the event you would take into account sponsorship which the excellent news it is the primary of its variety in nation and is gonna be actually superior when achieved.” Patrick Fitzgerald, a FedEx SVP, later responds: “I might love to listen to extra about your plans for the volleyball facility and doable FedEx help.”

June 28, 2017: Favre receives an electronic mail from Dan Sawyer, founder and CEO of Brock USA, a synthetic turf firm, with analysis on flooring choices for the volleyball facility.

July 16, 2017: USM athletic director Jon Gilbert forwards Favre an electronic mail he despatched to New, who can be a USM graduate. Gilbert writes: “FYI – will ship you her contact information.” Within the unique electronic mail, Gilbert tells New that the volleyball facility will price about $4 million and “Brett and Deanna have agreed to assist with fundraising for the power.”

July 18, 2017: Favre meets with New. “Nice to speak with you thru this,” New texts him later that day. “Thanks for all that you’re doing and we plan to work onerous to make this occur.” After the assembly, Davis tells New in a textual content that the volleyball facility must be named after Favre. “If we’re capable of give them the 4 [million] I believe we must always ask for them to call the Brett Favre Heart,” he writes.

July 22, 2017: Favre texts Bryant the newest proposals and renderings for the power. “… if we are able to discover a contractor that may say hey somewhat than offer you cash I will construct without cost!! Possibly you recognize of somebody.” “I throughout it,” Bryant replies.

July 24, 2017: Favre and Davis are amongst these assembly at USM, in line with a September 2022 court docket submitting. “John talked about 4 million and unsure I heard him proper,” Favre texts New later that day.

July 26, 2017: Favre texts New that Gilbert is “very Leary of accepting such a big grant.”

July 29, 2017: Favre texts New: “Additionally I need to make it easier to and was pondering a PSA is one possibility that may very well be achieved fast and straightforward to place collectively.” He additionally texts: “… I might report a couple of radio spots right here initially … no matter compensation might go to USM.”

The identical day, Favre texts New once more about Gilbert’s concern in regards to the cash. “Jon made the remark about utilizing cash you allotted to athletic division and though signed off on by all might elevate adverse issues and many others… with this venture and others. My worry is he would not besides all that you just and John can allocate even whether it is legally signed off on.”

July 31, 2017: In a sequence of texts with New, Favre asks, “Would this additionally remedy the brick and mortar subject? … so long as we are able to use the cash any method we select one way or the other.” (TANF funds can’t legally be used for brick and mortar functions.) Favre provides: “Will the general public notion be that I turned a spokesperson for varied state funded shelters, faculties, properties and many others….. and was compensated with state cash? Or can we maintain this confidential.” New replies that it might be confidential. “So if we maintain confidential the place cash got here from in addition to quantity I believe that is gonna work,” Favre later writes.

Aug. 2, 2017: “They’re scared to loss of life it appears,” Favre texts New. In accordance with a court docket submitting, this textual content is in reference to USM.

Aug. 3, 2017: Favre texts New: “If you happen to have been to pay me is there any method the media can discover out who it got here from and the way a lot?” New says that info just isn’t publicized. At some point later, New texts Favre that she simply bought off the cellphone with Bryant. “He’s on board with us! We are going to get this achieved!” she writes.

Aug. 10, 2017: Favre texts New: “My aim is for you and I to construct what state and ole miss have or not less than shut.”

Aug. 26, 2017: Favre’s daughter, Breleigh, makes her first collegiate begin with the Southern Miss girls’s indoor volleyball workforce in a win in opposition to Jackson State. In 2019, she moved from indoor to seashore volleyball. Between 2018 and 2020, when his daughter performed at USM, Favre’s basis, Favre 4 Hope, gave the USM Athletic Basis greater than $130,000 — up from the mixed $47,900 the muse donated from 2011 to 2017.

Sept. 27. 2017: Gilbert emails Favre an replace on the volleyball venture wherein he tells Favre that USM has $1.8 million in hand and plans so as to add an workplace for MCEC on-site, in addition to particulars in regards to the wooden floor, seashore volleyball courts and potential sponsorship for the scoreboard.

Oct. 19, 2017: New texts Favre that the volleyball venture has been authorized by the Establishments of Greater Studying, the committee that oversees Mississippi’s public universities. “It is a go,” New texts Favre. USM publicizes the venture in a information launch that day. Favre responds by telling New that Gilbert stated $500,000 must go towards USM’s basketball area and one other $500,000 towards the “upkeep fund.” New says “we’ll get the remainder.”

Oct. 26, 2017: Favre texts New: “Nancy, is it doable to have funding in future? Just like this 12 months?” She replies, “I’m not positive we are able to pull the 5 mil once more however I do suppose we’ll get extra. What are you pondering and the way a lot?” Favre responds that he desires “to get seashore vball up and working” and “an indoor facility is subsequent large venture for us.”

Nov. 6, 2017: MCEC pays the USM Athletic Basis $2.5 million, in line with a 2019 Mississippi state audit.

Nov. 10, 2017: USM Affiliate AD Daniel Feig asks Favre to evaluation a letter that the college plans to ship to all industrial distributors who will provide the power, reminiscent of HVAC corporations and ice machine suppliers. Feig then emails the letter to the distributors, with Favre and athletic director Gilbert cc’ed. “Please direct any questions it’s a must to Jon, Brett or me,” he writes.

Nov. 22, 2017: In an electronic mail dialog with Gilbert and a possible vendor about the price of a training know-how, Favre writes, “Jon is right with reference to affordability. I can not stress sufficient how a lot we’d like assist simply to remain afloat!!”

Dec. 5, 2017: MCEC pays the USM Athletic Basis one other $2.5 million, in line with the state audit.

Dec. 27, 2017: Favre texts New: “Nancy Santa got here at this time and dropped some cash off … thanks my goodness thanks. We have to arrange the promo for you quickly.” Favre Enterprises obtained $500,000 that month, a 2019 Mississippi state audit confirmed.

Jan. 23, 2018: In an electronic mail, an architect tells college officers that Favre “continues to contact us virtually each day asking for updates on the schedule.”

March 28, 2018: Favre texts New an replace on the power. “The bids all are in and shockingly the bottom is 6.9. The architects have been assured it might are available in decrease than what we have now saved. Actually irritating.”

April 23, 2018: Favre tells New through textual content that he and Deanna “are gonna minimize a test for the distinction to not less than get began.” He asks, “You continue to suppose we are able to get some by John as soon as once more?”

Might 2, 2018: Brett and Deanna Favre signal a donor settlement with the USM Athletic Basis holding them answerable for $1.4 million to fund the development of the volleyball facility. “Donors shall personally contribute any funds not collected from third events,” the settlement reads.

Might 9, 2018: Favre texts Bryant about discovering labor to construct lockers for the power. “I am nonetheless making an attempt to save cash on Vball facility. We now have customer and Dwelling lockers but to construct and Warren Hood is donating any lumber,” he writes. “If somebody would construct them on there spare time. Poncho talked about the jail trade presumably as a builder.” 9 days later, Bryant texts Favre that he has discovered somebody to construct the lockers and he himself would pay for the work. “If in case you have time to fulfill him there someday I guess we’d get a very good worth,” Bryant writes.

Might 20, 2018: New texts Favre that she’s going to ship $650,000 for the power.

June 2018: Favre Enterprises receives a $600,000 cost from MCEC, in line with the state audit.

Nov. 26, 2018: Favre tells Bryant about Prevacus and asks him to talk to the corporate’s founder, Jacob VanLandingham. “…I invested in an organization known as Prevacus and it is a drug that may deal with concussions we’d like assist politically to attempt to get FDA approval,” Favre texts. The following day, he texts Bryant that he has invested $850,000 of his personal cash in Prevacus. “I imagine 100% in Jake and this drug however he wants funding like now. So clearly any assist from you is required instantly!!!”

Dec. 26, 2018: Favre, VanLandingham, Bryant and potential buyers meet for dinner. The following day, Bryant texts VanLandingham and Favre, “So glad y’all have been right here. We now have our orders and we’re transferring forward.” Favre replies, “It is third and lengthy and we’d like you to make it occur!!” Bryant replies, “I’ll open a gap.”

Dec. 28, 2018: Favre sends New’s contact info to VanLandingham. “Textual content Nancy and embody me if you would like and principally ask her if she will help with buyers, grants or some other method doable. She has robust connections and gave me 5 million for Vball facility through grant cash. Supply her no matter you are feeling like.” VanLandingham texts New the identical day to introduce himself. Favre replies, “Glad you 2 will join.”

Dec. 30, 2018: In a textual content trade with VanLandingham, Favre says about New: “I imagine if it is doable she and John Davis would use federal grant cash for Prevacus.”

Dec. 31, 2018: Favre asks VanLandingham in a textual content, “Did you provide Nancy something?” VanLandingham responds, “She stated she’d would love some shares however we did not focus on what number of but,” and “I would say we give her 70k shares per 1M she touches in incoming investments.”

Jan 2, 2019: New and Davis meet with VanLandingham and Favre at Favre’s residence. Afterward, VanLandingham texts New and gives her shares in Prevacus: “Would 50k work for now?”

Jan. 11, 2019: Bryant texts Favre the contact info for Rick Santorum, the previous Pennsylvania senator and presidential candidate. “He know tips on how to work the FDA to get clearance for trials. … He is usually a large assist,” Bryant writes.

Jan. 14, 2019: Favre texts VanLandingham: “This all works out we have to purchase her and John Davis shock him with a car I assumed possibly John Davis we might get him a raptor.”

July 16, 2019: New texts Favre that she is “involved” she could not have the ability to assist him in August as deliberate. “I’m okay, simply politics and folks,” she writes. Favre and VanLandingham focus on through textual content alternate funding prospects for the volleyball facility and Prevacus. “Nancy has been superior to me and has paid 4.5 million for a 7 million greenback facility. And he or she stated it was all gonna be taken care of till this morning,” Favre writes. “Immediately she stated I do not suppose I can do anymore. So now I’m a giant pay out.” VanLandingham asks, “Possibly we attempt the governor to seek out different sources?”

Later that day, Favre texts Bryant about New’s U-turn. “And in addition I paid for 3/4 of Vball facility and the remainder was a joint venture along with her and John which was saving me 1.8 million…” he writes. “… we’d like your assist very badly Governor and sorry to even convey this up.”

Bryant then texts New that he has “simply left” Favre. “Can we assist him together with his venture,” the governor texts.

July 22, 2019: Favre texts Bryant a couple of potential soccer facility: “Governor this Friday Deion Sanders and his son are coming for a recruiting go to. He’s a QB and may very well be finest in nation. I already with Nancy began speaking a couple of indoor facility however I believe we have now bought to get one to remain up with everybody else. However it will not occur anytime quickly in the event you and Nancy can not help. I want to inform him we’re about to begin constructing within the subsequent 12 months and half.” Bryant tells him that they’re awaiting a evaluation from the state auditor.

July 28, 2019: Favre follows up with Bryant about Sanders’ go to and the brand new soccer facility. “As I suspected Deion’s son requested the place the indoor facility was and I stated we do not have one however are hoping to interrupt floor in lower than 2 years. Now that won’t occur with out your assist/dedication!!!” he texts. “I do know we have now the Vball to finish first and I am asking loads with that and I imagine 100% that if you will get this achieved Nancy will attain and assist many and within the recruiting struggle will give USM prompt credibility and turn out to be related once more.”

Bryant replies: “Nancy has some restricted management over Federal Funds within the type of Grants for Youngsters and adults within the Low Revenue Group. Use of those funds are tightly managed. Any improper use might lead to violation of Federal Legislation. … As quickly because the audit is full we’ll know if the venture at USM is a correct expenditure.”

Aug. 8, 2019: Bryant asks Favre through textual content whether or not New’s funding shall be used for brick and mortar. “No brick and mortar …” Favre replies.

Aug. 21, 2019: “Brett Farve is blowing me up over that proposal Nancy New submitted for the Heart at Southern Miss,” Bryant texts MDHS govt director Chris Freeze. “I’ve instructed him it might be reviewed identical to all different initiatives. Brett wants extra to do in his life simply now. … I actually do suppose he believes within the venture.”

Aug. 24, 2019: Favre texts Bryant: “Governor the indoor volleyball facility may very well be accomplished any day now and I am positive the college shall be calling for the remaining 1,048,000. I can attempt to purchase a while. Your our beginning QB and we are able to solely go so far as you’re taking us.”

Sept. 4, 2019: After a gathering with Bryant, Favre texts him: “… And we really feel that your title is the proper alternative for this facility and we aren’t taking No for a solution! You’re a Southern Miss Alumni, and folk must know you’re additionally a supporter of the College.” Bryant replies, “We’re going to get there. This was an incredible assembly. However we have now to observe the legislation. I’m to previous for Federal Jail.”

Sept. 6, 2019: Favre texts Bryant asking whether or not he ought to pay the remaining stability on the volleyball facility himself or ask for an extension. Bryant tells him to ask for an extension. “The Bid course of the Director talked about is state legislation,” he writes. “To override or not obey the legislation could be a doubtlessly prison offense. … I promise you, there’s nothing extra I can do besides observe the legislation..”

Oct. 22, 2019: Bryant texts Favre, “You heard from Trump about going to his Rally?” Favre says he can in all probability fly there. “Excellent.. The President ask me to be sure you have been attending,” Bryant replies. “We’d like him to champion remedy of Mind Accidents amongst NFL gamers. He could make all of the distinction together with your assist…we have now a treatment.” The following day, Bryant tells Favre that the White Home will name him.

Nov. 5, 2019: On Election Day, Favre texts Bryant about his potential successor, then Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves. “If our man wins I will really feel higher about issues but when the opposite man wins I really feel like Nancy and I can overlook our imaginative and prescient for Southern Miss.”

Nov. 11, 2019: Bryant texts Freeze about Favre once more: “Brett Farve retains asking in regards to the venture.” On the identical day, Favre texts Bryant, “Suppose you’ll get the wellness heart venture achieved?”

Nov. 22, 2019: VanLandingham texts Favre and Bryant that the White Home is planning a youth mind well being research, with Prevacus within the lead. They later focus on inviting athletes reminiscent of Tom Brady, Herschel Walker and Tiger Woods for the summit, which VanLandingham stated would happen earlier than the Tremendous Bowl and embody Trump greeting them within the Oval Workplace. There isn’t any proof that any of those athletes have been contacted or that the summit passed off.

Dec. 2019: Building on the volleyball facility, formally known as the Wellness Heart, is accomplished, in line with the state audit.

Jan. 26, 2020: Favre asks Bryant if he can consider “anybody or some other method of getting funding for the rest of Vball?” He texts that he simply paid $350,000, and would give one other $200,000 the next week. Favre says he texted Reeves, and Bryant tells him to do the identical with Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and state senator Briggs Hopson.

Jan. 27, 2020: Favre texts Bryant: “Governor had a chat with Tate and he stated he would get together with his workforce on a plan. I am positive with you in his ear that may assist tremendously.” Bryant responds: “Whole lot.. will make that occur.”

That very same day, Bryant texts then-Southern Miss president Rodney Bennett. “Brett retains asking to assist him fund the Volleyball Facility however wished to see your place earlier than I am going the LtGovernor.” Bennett responds: “…I’ve requested Brett to not do the issues he is doing to hunt funding from state companies and the legislature for the volleyball facility. … I’ll see, for the ‘umpteenth time’ if we are able to get him to face down. The underside line is he personally assured the venture, and on his phrase and handshake we proceeded. It is time for him to pay up-it actually is simply that easy.”

“That is was my ideas,” Bryant responds. “Possibly he desires the State to repay his guarantees. Like all of us I like Brett. He’s a legend however he has to know what a pledge means. I’ve tried many instances to clarify that to him.”

Feb. 5, 2020: Senior affiliate AD Brian Morrison emails Favre an inventory of donations the college has obtained for the volleyball facility that go towards his monetary dedication. The ten items complete $753,378, about half of Favre’s $1.4 million dedication. Among the many donors are then-Inexperienced Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, singer Jimmy Buffett’s charity and Bryant’s political motion committee, in line with an unredacted electronic mail obtained by Mississippi Immediately.

Davis, New and 4 others are arrested, and the welfare scandal turns into public for the primary time.

Feb. 6, 2020: Favre texts Bryant once more, asking him if he contacted Reeves. Bryant responds by sharing an article outlining the embezzlement scheme. Favre replies that he is “properly conscious” of that story, and Reeves is a bond invoice to assist with funding.

Feb. 27, 2020: Mississippi Immediately’s Anna Wolfe studies that $5 million of TANF funds from MCEC have been used for the volleyball facility. The story mentions Favre and the way he was credited with elevating funds.

March 2, 2020: Favre texts Bryant about Wolfe. “Governor want your recommendation with reference to speaking to this woman for Mississippi at this time in regards to the reference to Prevacus,” he writes. “The reality is I did arrange a gathering and in that assembly the best way it was left was if any funding passed off it was provided that a producing plant could be positioned within the state to extend jobs. Now what was invested and the way I do not know and fairly frankly I did not care. So do I decline are inform the reality.” He provides that his lawyer instructed him to not say something.

April 30, 2020: The 2019 state audit reveals that Favre Enterprises was paid $1.1 million for speeches the auditor says Favre by no means made.

Might 6, 2020: In a sequence of tweets, Favre responds to what was reported within the audit. He says partially: “I’ve by no means obtained monies for obligations I did not meet. To reiterate Auditor White’s assertion, I used to be unaware that the cash being dispersed was paid for out of funds not meant for that goal, and due to that I’m refunding the total quantity again to Mississippi.” On the identical day, Favre pays again $500,000 of the $1.1 million he was paid.

Sept. 16, 2020: Favre texts Bryant about FDA approval for the concussion drug. “It is extremely tough,” Bryant texts. “However not if the correct individuals are in our nook proper?” Favre replies. Bryant tells Favre, “As all the time everybody should observe all guidelines, legal guidelines and procedures.”

Oct. 12, 2021: White sends a letter to Favre demanding that he pay again $828,000 — the excellent $600,000 stability and $228,000 in curiosity.

Oct. 27, 2021: Favre pays $600,000 however doesn’t embody the curiosity.

Oct. 29, 2021: Favre sends out a sequence of tweets that learn partially: “After all the cash was returned as a result of I might by no means knowingly take funds meant to assist our neighbors in want, however for Shad White to proceed to push out this lie that the cash was for no-show occasions is one thing I can’t keep silent about.” White responds to the tweets on the identical day, writing partially: “These are lies. I’m not going to cover how a lot you have been paid, why you have been paid, or conduct again room conferences to make this go away.”

Might 9, 2022: The state recordsdata a civil lawsuit in opposition to 38 individuals, together with Favre and VanLandingham.

Sept. 1, 2022: NBC Information studies that Favre was questioned by the FBI. Bud Holmes, Favre’s lawyer on the time, later tells Mississippi Immediately that the FBI solely requested Favre one query. “Brett laughingly instructed me that FBI requested if he’d ever been to Tupelo,” Holmes stated.

Sept. 13, 2022: An investigative report by Mississippi Immediately reveals textual content messages detailing how Favre, New and Bryant mentioned tips on how to divert not less than $5 million for the volleyball stadium. Holmes denied to Mississippi Immediately that the previous quarterback knew he obtained welfare funds. “Brett Favre has been honorable all through this entire factor,” Holmes stated.

Sept. 25, 2022: SiriusXM places a weekly radio present hosted by Favre on maintain.

Oct. 11, 2022: In an announcement to Fox Information Digital, Favre denies wrongdoing and says he had been “unjustly smeared” by the media. “I’ve achieved nothing improper, and it’s previous time to set the report straight,” he continued. “Nobody ever instructed me, and I didn’t know, that funds designated for welfare recipients have been going to the College or me. I attempted to assist my alma mater USM, a public Mississippi state college, elevate funds for a wellness heart. My aim was and all the time shall be to enhance the athletic services at my college.”

Nov. 28, 2022: Favre’s legal professionals file a movement to dismiss the MDHS criticism in opposition to him and Favre Enterprises. “It’s obvious that MDHS has sued Favre, a Mississippi and nationwide superstar, in an effort to deflect duty for its personal egregious wrongdoing,” the movement reads partially.

Dec. 5, 2022: The USM Athletic Basis is added as a defendant to the lawsuit. “Via its administrators and brokers together with Brett Favre, Nancy New, and Jon Gilbert,” the submitting reads, “the Basis understood that the supply of the funding was federal grant funds paid to MDHS.”

Feb. 9, 2023: Favre recordsdata three separate defamation lawsuits in opposition to White, the Mississippi state auditor, in addition to nationwide sports activities commentators Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee. Favre’s lawsuit in opposition to White accuses the auditor of “shamelessly and falsely attacking Favre’s good title” to advance his political profession.

April 24, 2023: A decide guidelines that Favre will stay within the civil lawsuit, writing that his attorneys’ arguments for dismissal have been “unpersuasive and inapplicable.” His spokesman, Alex Pfeiffer, stated in an announcement: “Clearly, Brett Favre is disillusioned within the court docket’s ruling. His authorized workforce is exploring their choices.”

Might 4, 2023: After posting a video message defending himself, Bryant releases what he says are all his textual content messages associated to the welfare investigation. Among the messages, from 2019, embody conversations with Favre and VanLandingham about White Home help for mind accidents at a time once they have been pursuing funding for Prevacus.

In a court docket submitting on the identical day, Favre once more denies wrongdoing and calls for a jury trial within the civil case. At some point later, a Hinds County decide recordsdata a suppression order limiting pre-trial publicity till the case goes to trial or is resolved.

ESPN researcher John Mastroberardino contributed to this report.