Mississippi Official Demands Brett Favre Repay $730,000 in Misspent Welfare Funds

Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre is embroiled in a long-running legal battle in Mississippi.

Mississippi’s state auditor filed a court paperwork against ex-NFL quarterback Brett Favre on Monday alleging that Favre still owes the state nearly $730,000 in interest connected to over $1 million in welfare money that was improperly spent on personal projects.

Auditor Shad White wrote in the court filing that Favre “had no legal right to the possession or control of this $1.1 Million,” referring to Favre’s involvement in a massive welfare scandal in which the former Green Bay Packer directed welfare-designated funds to go toward a volleyball court for his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter played volleyball.

Favre already paid back $1.1 million to the state in two payments in 2020 and ’21, but the new court filing claims Favre still owes $729,790 due to interest.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre still owes Mississippi nearly $730,000 in connection to a welfare fraud case, according to documents filed by the state’s auditor :: Shelley Mays/The Tennessean/USA TODAY Network

Last year, Favre filed lawsuits accusing White and two national sports commentators, Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee, of defamation. The lawsuit against McAfee was dropped after McAfee issued a public apology; the lawsuit against Sharpe was dismissed in October.

Favre’s lawsuit against White is still pending, and White’s filing this week served as a counterclaim in that suit.

Favre repeatedly has denied any wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged.