On Monday, a panel of three judges from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled against Brett Favre in his attempt to revive a defamation lawsuit against former NFL star and commentator Shannon Sharpe. The lawsuit had initially been dismissed in 2023, but Favre sought to challenge that decision.
Favre’s attorney, Amit Vora, argued before the appellate judges that Sharpe had defamed the Hall of Fame quarterback by accusing him of theft, despite Favre not being charged with any crime. However, the judges sided with the original ruling by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett of the Southern District of Mississippi, agreeing that there was no grounds for reinstating the lawsuit.
The ruling marked a second legal victory for Sharpe in the case, which centered around comments he made regarding Favre’s alleged involvement in a welfare scandal in Mississippi. The accusations suggested that Favre was linked to the misappropriation of welfare funds, some of which allegedly went toward the construction of a volleyball arena at the University of Southern Mississippi, where Favre’s daughter played.
On Thursday, Sharpe addressed the appeals court’s decision during an episode of his “Nightcap” podcast, co-hosted by fellow former NFL player Chad Johnson. While reflecting on the court’s ruling, Sharpe expressed cautious optimism that the lawsuit was finally behind him.
“Hopefully, this is it. But there’s always a chance he throws a Hail Mary and takes it to the Supreme Court. Who knows?” Sharpe said.
Sharpe explained that his comments on Favre had been based on media reports at the time, specifically regarding the payment of funds related to the welfare scandal. “It was reported that he paid back the original money, but there was still interest that hadn’t been repaid. I was speaking on what was reported. At the time, I said he took the money, and Skip [Bayless] said he paid it back. I asked, ‘What about the interest?’ It’s been reported that the interest hasn’t been paid back. And yes, some of those funds, $5 million or $4 million, were used for a volleyball arena. So I was really surprised he filed a lawsuit.”
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Sharpe reiterated that he bears no ill will toward Favre and simply wants the matter to be resolved. “Hopefully, it’s over. I really do. I wish Brett nothing but the best,” Sharpe said, adding that Favre was expected to appear before Congress to answer questions about his involvement in the welfare funds scandal.
Sharpe emphasized his broader concern for the people of Mississippi, the poorest state in the U.S., who he believes deserve accountability and justice. “I just want the people of Mississippi to have their day in court. It was wrong, however the funds were misappropriated. The people of Mississippi need to be made whole,” Sharpe stated.
In his closing remarks, Sharpe expressed relief that the lawsuit appears to have been resolved, while reiterating his hopes for justice in the case. “I just hate that the people of Mississippi had to go through this. I’m just glad it’s over. I wish Brett the best, and I hope the people of Mississippi get the justice they deserve. That’s where I am on that,” he concluded.
