In an effort to collect millions in improperly spent welfare monies, the state of Mississippi is suing, and former NFL quarterback Brett Favre is requesting to be removed from the case. The Mississippi Department of Human Services “groundlessly and irresponsibly seeks to blame Favre for its own grossly improper and unlawful handling of welfare funds and its own failure to properly monitor and audit” how organizations used the money, according to papers filed on Monday.

Eric D. Herschmann, the lawyer for Favre, stated in the document filed in Hinds County Circuit Court that “included Favre in this action has had the desired effect it has drawn national media attention to this matter.” Furthermore, the welfare agency’s false insinuations concerning Favre’s claimed involvement are the focus of the complaint, according to Herschmann, rather than the agency itself, which in fact is culpable for allowing this scandal to arise. The Mississippi Department of Human Services is suing more than thirty individuals and businesses in what has grown to be the biggest public corruption case in the history of the Magnolia State. Although Favre, who was raised there, is not being prosecuted criminally, he is one of the defendants. The lawsuit claims that the defendants misused more than $20 million from the anti-poverty program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

The Mississippi Community Education Center, a nonprofit that used funds it got from the TANF program with permission from the Department of Human Services, paid Favre $1.1 million in speaking fees. Favre has now paid back the organization. He reportedly still owes interest of $228,000. The judicial system will handle the case, and the judge will decide who is responsible for paying what back. – Steve Sijenyi