• Loading stock data...
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Law

Former Mississippi Governor Implicated in Brett Favre Fraud Case

  • Phil Bryant allegedly helped Favre obtain at least $5 million from the state’s welfare funds.
  • Favre was angling to use the funds to build a new volleyball arena at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Favre’s ongoing legal troubles with the welfare of Mississippi has now become a conspiracy at the highest levels of the state’s government.

Former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant allegedly helped Favre obtain at least $5 million from the state’s welfare funds, according to copies of text messages obtained by Mississippi Today as part of its investigation into the Pro Football Hall of Famer. 

Favre was angling to use the funds to build a new volleyball arena at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi — where his daughter was on the volleyball team. 

The NFL great has been the primary subject of a $70 million welfare fraud investigation that was opened in 2020.

Earlier this month, Favre was interviewed by the FBI about his role in the scandal. 

Favre received $1.1 million in speaking fees for appearances he did not make. He has paid back that money — but not the approximately $228,000 in interest that goes along with it.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) gestures as he is carted off the field after an injury during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field.

‘No Firmly Established Evidence’ for Viral 49ers Injury Theory

The 49ers have been practicing next to the substation for decades.

Bears’ Indiana Search Shifts Tone in Illinois Over Stadium Funding

The governor softens his long-held opposition toward publicly funding the project.

Commanders Look Back to RFK Roots in New $3.8B Stadium Design

The forthcoming venue’s design recalls RFK Stadium while looking forward.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game at Acrisure Stadium.

Texans-Steelers Blowout Drew 29.1M Viewers for ESPN

Viewership rose sharply from the comparable game a year ago.

Featured Today

Black Rabbit

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
January 6, 2026

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Mar 27, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Antonio Blakeney (9) dribbles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at the United Center.

26 Charged in NCAA, International Basketball Fixing Scheme

The unsealed indictment names players, trainers, and “high-stakes gamblers.”
Oct 24, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Nashville SC during the first half at Chase Stadium.
January 8, 2026

Lionel Messi, Logan Paul Resolve Beverage Dispute

The anti-competitive behavior and trademark dispute dates back to 2024.
Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; American DJ Steve Aoki during the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
January 12, 2026

DraftKings Cofounder, DJ Steve Aoki Accused of Duping NFT Buyers

The proposed class action expects “tens of millions of dollars” in damages.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 8, 2026

NFL, Chiefs Say They’re Looking Into Rashee Rice Domestic Violence Allegations 

Rice pleaded guilty to two felony charges last year.
Brian Flores
January 8, 2026

NFL Asks Supreme Court to Take Up Arbitration Case Against Flores

The league wants the discrimination lawsuit to stay out of court.
Ducks
January 7, 2026

Ex-Ducks, NHL Employee Sues For Sexual Harassment, ‘Manufacturing’ Reason to Fire Her

The woman says she cooperated with a team investigation into harassment allegations.
January 6, 2026

Dish Says Disney Is Abusing Monopoly Power Over Skinny Sports Bundles

The blistering counterclaims came in response to an August Disney lawsuit.