Over the past few months and years, Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre has been in the midst of a legal battle with the State of Mississippi for his alleged role in a scheme that misallocated millions of dollars in welfare money intended to help the state’s poorest residents. And now, Mississippi auditor Shad White is demanding Favre pay back what is still owed.
Last February, Brett Favre attempted to sue Shad White for defamation. Now, White is countersuing Favre in an attempt to collect the funds that Favre took from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds plus interest, which totals nearly $730,000.
“Mississippi’s Constitution and laws require that the State Auditor act to protect the taxpayers and fully collect all public funds which Mr. Favre received from Nancy New and John Davis. Mr. Favre’s meritless defamation suit provides the opportunity for the recovery of the principal and interest which Mr. Favre failed to repay,” White said in a statement.
White acknowledges that Favre has admitted his fault in the matter but failed to pay the entire amount due, including interest.
“It boggles the mind that Mr. Favre could imagine he is entitled to the equivalent of an interest-free loan of $1.1 million in taxpayer money, especially money intended for the benefit of the poor. Now that lawyers from the Office of the State Auditor are trying this case, we are going to ensure Mr. Favre is held accountable for his acts and omissions,” White said in a statement.
This is obviously horrible news for Favre, and it led to a lot of reactions on social media as a result.
— Mattie Moss's Glasses (@clayfilms) February 6, 2024
Soooo they have enough to demand him to repay the money, but not enough to file criminal charges 🤔🤔🤔🤔 https://t.co/txLXba9INS
— Jordan (@Jsullhart) February 6, 2024
He stole from people who needed food. He should be in jail and his assets should be seized and used to pay back all the people he forced to suffer in hunger and poverty. https://t.co/kOLQtb28sS
— Swedeish Fish (@theswedeishfish) February 6, 2024
Good, he should have to repay every cent plus interest of what he stole. He should also be doing some time in prison. He knew it was all illegal but pushed forward with it anyway. #LockHimUpAlready https://t.co/UkuFX17A1h
— #MedicareforAllNOW (@JBoy02) February 6, 2024
He should repay every cent, and be locked up like they’d do a single mother who fraudulently takes benefits. https://t.co/fHKuXQ7xiI
— Ran (@RanWill13) February 6, 2024
I still don’t understand why he hasn’t been arrested. https://t.co/hGpoictej8
— Small Screen Girl (@KiraJW) February 6, 2024
The total amount that White is seeking from Favre is $729,790: $437,000 in unpaid principal and $292,790 in unpaid interest.
