Brett Favre is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, let alone in the history of the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately, details surrounding his personal life since his retirement have been disappointing. For over a year now, Favre has been linked to a scandal that is unfolding to be the largest embezzlement scheme in the history of Mississippi. It is a simple, yet somehow complicated, story that involves Favre, former Mississippi governor Phil Bryant, and a pharmaceutical company called Prevacus.
Brett Favre Still Owes Mississippi for Unfulfilled Engagements
It should be made clear that Brett Favre never looked good from the start of this investigation. However, early reports of his wrong doing did not fully grasp the scope of the scandal. In October of 2021, Favre was ordered to repay $1.1 million to the state of Mississippi. At the time, it was believed that this payment to Favre was for a series of speaking engagements, events that the Hall of Fame quarterback did not attend. According to CBS:
The former Packers quarterback was paid $1.1 million in welfare money “for appearances, promotions, autographs and speaking engagements.” Favre was not present at the events, despite taking the money for them. In May of 2020, Favre paid $500,000 and said he was committed to repaying the rest through installments over the next few months.
The funds were supposed to go to families in need via two non-profit organizations, whose owners have been indicted on federal and state charges concerning their alleged role in the largest embezzlement scheme in Mississippi history. Favre received a piece of the money from Families First For Mississippi, one of the largest non-profit organizations involved in the scheme. However, Favre never spoke in front of the foundation and has maintained that he was unaware the funds were given illegally when he accepted them.
All of this makes Favre seem like a real jerk. However, it only scratched the surface of the illegal activity in which he was involved.
Brett Favre and Former Governor Phil Bryant Conspired to Make Million Using Public Funds
Before going into further detail, let us be clear: the funds that were STOLEN from the state of Mississippi were welfare funds. This money was supposed to go to the people of the state. Missisippi is one of the most impoverished in the country. According to thecoldwire.com, Brett Favre has a net worth of $100 million.
According to the investigation into Phil Bryant, Favre had hoped to make $20 million off of an investment in Prevacus. Both the quarterback and the former governor were instrumental in bringing Prevacus to Mississippi. Favre defended his interest in the company by stating that it had developed a nasal spray that would help with tremors and concussions.
Text messages between Favre and Bryant do not paint a good picture of the two:
[Favre]: “It’s 3rd and long and we need you to make it happen.”
[Bryant]: “I will open a hole.”
Other text messages Favre sent to other defendants also have been made public:
“Don’t know if legal or not, but he need to cut him [Phil Bryant] in.”
“Also if legal I will give some of my shares to the governor.”
Illegal Meetings Took Place at Favre’s House
According to a recent court filing, much of the bribery and conspiracy took place at a meeting at Brett Favre’s home:
MDHS, acting through John Davis and the MDHS Executives, directed Defendant to provide $5 million on behalf of the State of Mississippi to Prevacus, Inc. during a meeting with Jake Vanlandingham at Brett Favre’s home.
Through all of this, Favre has denied knowingly doing anything illegal. He does not face jail time as of now.
