Lawyers for Brett Favre moved Monday to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the former NFL quarterback and his company Favre Enterprise by the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Favre was embroiled in the Mississippi welfare scandal and is one of more than three dozen companies being sued by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) to recover $24 million of the $77 million in federal welfare payments, according to Mississippi Today.
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre #4 attempts a pass against the New York Giants October 3, 2004 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
(Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Favre, who helped raise funds for the University of Southern Mississippi volleyball facility, has denied knowing that a $5 million grant for the volleyball facility was from a temporary assistance to families in need (TANF ) through the Mississippi Community Education Center (MCEC). , a non-profit organization run by Nancy New.
“Today, following a thorough investigation, we moved a motion to dismiss the case against Mr Favre. MDHS’ lawsuit is nothing more than a baseless attempt to hold Brett Favre responsible for his own failure to oversee the social funds entrusted to him,” Favre attorney Eric Herschman said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.
“Mr Favre was never in control of how Mississippi spent its Social Funds. He has not given false information to anyone. he has returned all the monies he received – six months before MDHS filed its lawsuit.As also acknowledged by the State Inspector, Mr. Favre’s conduct deserves applause, not a frivolous lawsuit.We believe that after reviewing our application by the court will be dismissed.”
Monday’s motion was filed in Hinds County District Court in the state’s first judicial district.
The filing claimed the Hall of Fame quarterback “didn’t do anything wrong.”
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre walks to the sideline after throwing a pass that was intercepted by Chicago Bears’ Julius Peppers during the first quarter of their NFC, NFL football game at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, December 20, 2010 .
(REUTERS/Eric Miller)
“There is no factual or legal basis for including Favre in this lawsuit or for the flood of unwarranted negative publicity about Favre that MDHS has brazenly instigated – publicity that should be directed at MDHS, not Favre,” the statement said Application.
Favre has repaid the $1.1 million he received in speaking honoraria from the Mississippi Community Education Center, a nonprofit group that spent TANF funds with the approval of the Department of Human Services, but Mississippi State Examiner Shad White insisted Favre owed $228,000 in interest.
The State Audit Office has claimed that Favre failed to honor a contract he had signed.
Favre was not prosecuted in the case.
Prevacus Inc., a concussion treatment and prevention company in which Favre is investing, received $2.1 million from the Mississippi Community Education Center. The filing states that Favre had “no liability” for the alleged dealings between the nonprofit and the company.
“Regarding the $2.1 million payment, Section 27(1) permits MDHS to refuse to recover only from a ‘recipient’ of an improper payment,” the filing reads.
The state attorney general’s office and the Mississippi Department of Human Services immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the application.
Nancy New, the nonprofit’s director, pleaded guilty to embezzlement of welfare funds in April, as did her son Zachary News, who helped run the center. They are awaiting sentencing and have agreed to testify against others. John Davis, an officer with the MDHS, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the state of Mississippi.
In October, Favre dismissed criticism of his alleged role in the scandal.
“I have been unfairly slandered in the media,” Favre said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “I did nothing wrong and it’s time to set the record straight.”
09/08/2018; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Hall of Famer quarterback Brett Favre warms up before the game between the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at MM Roberts Stadium. Favre played for Southern Miss.
(Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)
Favre explained that he was unaware that “the funds intended for welfare recipients go to the university from me”.
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White told Fox News at the time that there was no documentation showing Favre knew the money came from a TANF fund, although he claimed Favre knew it came from the agency that “handles programs.” who aim to help the poor.”
