Judge Dismisses Brett Favre’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Shannon Sharpe
In a recent development, a federal judge has dismissed the defamation lawsuit filed by former NFL quarterback Brett Favre against ex-NFL tight end and current ESPN personality Shannon Sharpe. The lawsuit was related to Favre’s alleged involvement in an ongoing welfare fraud case in Mississippi.
Favre had accused Sharpe of making “egregiously false” statements about him on the Fox Sports 1 talk show “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” in September 2022. However, U.S. District Court Judge Keith Starrett ruled that Sharpe’s comments were constitutionally protected rhetorical hyperbole and could not support a defamation claim as a matter of law. The judge also highlighted that Sharpe had explicitly mentioned on the show that Favre had not been criminally charged.
It is important to note that more than a year later, there are still no criminal charges against Brett Favre in relation to the welfare fraud case. Favre is one of the defendants in a Mississippi civil lawsuit seeking to recoup some of the misspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, which amounted to at least $77 million according to a state audit published in 2020. Eight people have been indicted in the case, with six of them pleading guilty. In April, a judge ruled that Favre would remain in the civil suit, and he has since demanded a jury trial.
The state audit and civil lawsuit allege that Favre was paid $1.1 million in TANF funds for speeches he did not make. Although Favre eventually paid the money back, the state auditor demanded an additional $228,000 in interest. Furthermore, the University of Southern Mississippi’s athletic foundation, Favre’s alma mater, received $5 million in TANF funds for a new volleyball facility, as revealed by the state audit. Text messages also indicate that Favre advocated for funding for the facility while his daughter was on the team. Additionally, two concussion drug companies supported by Favre received over $2.1 million in TANF funds, according to the civil lawsuit.
Brett Favre has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to the welfare fraud case. However, Judge Starrett acknowledged in his dismissal that there is a widespread belief that the money obtained by Favre for himself and the University of Southern Mississippi came from welfare funds. The judge emphasized that TANF funds were intended to support poverty-stricken families, not to fund the construction of a college volleyball facility.
Following the dismissal of the defamation lawsuit, a representative for Brett Favre expressed disagreement with the court’s decision and stated that Sharpe’s statements were unquestionably false and defamatory. They are currently considering their options. On the other hand, a representative for Shannon Sharpe declined to comment on the matter.
This dismissal marks a significant development in the legal battle between Brett Favre and Shannon Sharpe. While Favre’s defamation lawsuit has been dismissed, he still remains involved in the Mississippi civil lawsuit seeking to recover misspent welfare funds. The outcome of this ongoing legal battle will continue to be closely watched by sports fans and legal experts alike.
In conclusion, the defamation lawsuit filed by Brett Favre against Shannon Sharpe has been dismissed by a federal judge. The judge ruled that Sharpe’s comments were protected by the First Amendment and could not support a defamation claim. This decision comes amidst an ongoing welfare fraud case in Mississippi, in which Favre is one of the defendants. Despite the dismissal of the defamation lawsuit, Favre’s involvement in the civil suit seeking to recover misspent welfare funds remains unchanged. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for both parties involved.