Timeline: How an NFL star, state officials and a university funded the USM volleyball stadium
As more documents and text messages come to light surrounding the Brett Favre volleyball project, Mississippi Today has compiled a timeline that gives a greater glimpse into how officials funneled
The timeline shows that Favre discussed the volleyball stadium for months before reaching out to then-Gov.
USM officials expressed apprehension about using grant funds for the project, but eventually, after the deal was modified to include an additional
Below is a timeline of events compiled by Mississippi Today based on documents and communication gathered in the court process or retrieved through records requests:
"I had the impression Brett wanted to keep his involvement quiet," Senior Associate Director of Athletics
"FYI-Chris and I are meeting with Brett and Deanna Tuesday at
"Deanna and I are building a volleyball facility on campus and I need your influence somehow to get donations and or sponsorships. Obviously Southern has no money so I'm hustling to get it raised. We want to start this summer and finish in a year or less," Favre texted the governor.
Bryant said in his filing that this was the first time he discussed the volleyball project with Favre.
"…We will have that thing built before you know it. One thing I know how to do is raise money," Bryant responded.
Bryant did not produce any of his text messages with Favre or then-MDHS Director
At this point, the
On
MDHS writes a letter to Feig that said MDHS is aware that MCEC is leasing space with the university "because we believe it is important to help MCEC accomplish the purpose of their subgrant which is to provide services designed to stimulate employment, support family financial stability, promote literacy, and increase graduation rates while continuing to support positive youth development, impacting teen pregnancy rates, promotion positive father involvement and supporting MDHS county offices through parenting education and parenting/life skills development."
While
Special Assistant Attorney General
Later that day, IHL's
Based on the emails, it appears IHL was unaware where the
At this point, the lease does not involve
During its board meeting, the
The M-Club charged membership dues of
USM signed two leases with
Gilbert emailed
"We have not formally announced this project but expect to do so in the next week to ten days. We have hired
"I am glad to help and look forward to seeing this project to fruition,"
Favre met with
Davis texted
Screenshots of texts entered into court show Favre texted Bryant on the evening of
Favre responded to Bryant's redacted message: "Not sure how we you can help get this facility built for Vball. But you are the governor and on our side and that's a good thing. Actually a great thing."
"We can do that," Bryant responded. "Just get me some numbers and I'll find a way. Maybe USM or the Coach can call me and we'll get on it."
Favre texted Bryant a document containing the construction proposal and building renderings. "Latest plans. I'm trying to get sponsors,donations etc…. if we can find a contractor that would say hey rater that give you money I'll build for free!! Maybe you know of someone," Favre texted.
"I all over it," Bryant texted, followed by a bicep emoji.
"Thanks that would help a ton!!" Favre said.
Bryant's next text, as well as its date and time, are redacted.
Bryant did not produce any of his messages with Favre or Davis for a ten month period, including the time period in which Davis committed to funding the project and
Two days after texting Bryant the construction proposal, Favre met with Bryant's appointed welfare director
"Nancy thank you again!!! John mentioned 4 million and not sure if I heard him right. Very big deal and can't thank you enough," Favre texted
"Are you available for a conference call with Garrig and I tomorrow morning?"
"Nancy I spoke with
At some point after USM expressed hesitations, discussions changed so that the lease would include not only money for the volleyball stadium, but
"Nancy do I need to involve the governor and or Dr.B if need be. Jon made the comment about using money you allocated to athletic dept thus far and although signed off on by all could raise negative concerns etc… with this project and others," Favre texted
"Ok. I could record a few radio spots here initially I'm sure right here," Favre texted
"
"Was just thinking that here is the way to do it!!" Favre responded.
"John said you guys have a big meeting Monday with university. Hope we hit a homerun. Looks as though the facility is gonna be more than we thought which is always the case," Favre texted
Favre also texted New, "They are scared to death it seems," and while this text is entered without context, New's attorney said it referred to university officials' fears about taking the grant money.
"If you were to pay me is there anyway the media can find out where it came from and how much?" Favre texted
"No, we never have had that information publicized. I understand you being uneasy about that though. Let's see what happens on Monday with the conversation with some of the folks at Southern. Maybe it will click with them. Hopefully."
"Wow, just got off the phone with
"Wow wow wow!! Great news," Favre responded.
"Morning. I got a call yesterday from
"Thanks Nancy.
"Brett, I just received this info from
When Mississippi Today requested records from the university in 2020 that described any programming the nonprofit conducted on campus, they provided records for exactly one event: The Healthy Teens Rally of 2018 hosted at
On the agenda, the item reads: "The IHL Board approved the original Lease Agreement between the
The approved meeting minutes state: "This lease and subsequent sublease are being funded through the lease of athletic department facilities by the
"It's a go. All approved by IHL!"
"Finally and thanks Nancy. I hope it's enough now. Jon said 500k has to go to renovations for reed green and another 500 to maintenances fund," Favre responded.
"We will still fundraiser, etc. we will get the rest,"
"I saw the Gov last night. We will still plan the fundraiser as well when we can get another date from him that works with your time, too. Surely, Southern folks won't say to postpone it again. At any rate it's all going to work out,"
"Wellness and Volleyball Facility has received significant gift and also gift in kinds. A partnership with MCEC will make the facility useful to make groups once it is completed," the meeting minutes read.
"
"Nancy I wanted to update you on facility. The bids all are in and shockingly the lowest is 6.9. The architects were confident it would come it lower than what we have saved. Really frustrating. Jon said he wanted to go back to lowest bed and talk to them about getting it down to 5.9. I'll keep you updated," Favre texted
"…We can still have the fundraiser at the Governor's mansion, too. We can use Phil's business list that he offered earlier. I will be thinking and hopefully there will be something in the new budget for Families First to offer."
USM Athletics staffers shared by email an updated list of 23 volleyball donors for a total of
The email also said Favre's original gift of
In the spreadsheet, the total projected construction cost is
Gilbert sent the document to Favre.
"Thank you very much for your generous support of this project and your commitment and loyalty to Southern Miss," Gilbert wrote to Favre.
Mississippi Today did not find a signed copy of the agreement.
"Governor this Brett. I'm still trying to save money on Vball facility," Favre texted Bryant. "We have visitor and Home lockers yet to build and
"Let me get on it.
"Hey Governor [redacted]…. Any luck with lockers?" Favre texted, followed by a long block of redacted text.
"I think I have some guys in the lockers. Will know more today. They are in Summeral a," Bryant wrote.
"And do this type of work," Bryant texted, followed by a long block of redacted text.
Favre's response is also redacted.
Bryant responded with a thumbs up and "where can I sent a donation for the
Favre sent Bryant the
For this 11-month period, Bryant did not produce any of his texts with Favre, with the exception of one
June, 2018:
In communication after this point, which includes Bryant advising Favre on how to reword the proposal to get accepted by the welfare department and has been heavily reported, Bryant is aware of the auditor's investigation into spending at the welfare department.
Favre texted Bryant with concerns that
Editor's note: Mississippi Today Editor-in-Chief
-- Article credit to
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