NFL legend Brett Favre questioned by FBI over connection with welfare case

National Football League (NFL) player and Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre is under FBI investigation for alleged ties to the welfare fund case. The US government suspects Mississippi of having misused federal welfare funds allotted for social welfare.

What is the case all about?

Mississippi gets an annual welfare fund of $90 million from the US government. The state can use the fund as it deems fit for social welfare needs. However, the state usually rejects 90% of the applicants who apply for the funds. But this year, the state misused it and is, thus, under investigation.
According to the government, the state's welfare agency wrongfully spent $70 million as a slush fund. The state spent the money on air travel, pro wrestlers' celebrity appearances, and the establishment of a volleyball facility.

How is Brett Favre tied to the investigation?

The state paid $5 million for the volleyball facility, which is tied to Favre. The facility is located at the University of Southern Mississippi.



Brett Favre's daughter has played volleyball at the university. She also admitted that her father was instrumental in securing the $5 million from the state government. There were also allegations that Favre had collected millions of dollars for making appearances. The ex-governor of Mississippi paid $1.1 million in 2017 and 2018 for motivational speeches. However, Favre never made any appearances, pocketing the money himself.

What did Favre's defense state?

When Favre was questioned, his attorney argued that Favre did not know that the money was meant for social welfare. As such, he has paid back the money for the volleyball facility.

Who is Brett Favre?

Favre played in the NFL as a quarterback. He was declared the all-time leader in interceptions and touchdown passes in a season. He retired after the 2010 season.

While Favre is not facing any criminal charges, he has denied accepting payments for appearances.