The litigation filed by Brett Favre against Pat McAfee for defamation could bankrupt the broadcaster, Favre’s lawyer says. And as far as the attorney is concerned, it will be a hard lesson learned.
Brett Favre and Ruvell Martin warming up before a game. Photo Credit: Paul Cutler, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The Hall of Fame quarterback took offense to comments from The Pat McAfee Show that discussed his ongoing welfare scandal in Mississippi. As is the usual format of their program, the host and his cast members had a bit of a chuckle at Favre’s expense. Apparently, The Gunslinger didn’t find it all that amusing.
In 2020, Favre was accused of receiving $1.1 million in federal funds by way of Mississippi for appearances he never made. The retired star originally defended himself by saying he made the appearances and did not know the origin of the money he was paid.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Joe R. Campa Jr. meets Brett Favre from the New York Jets during the coin toss on the field at the Meadowlands. The New York Jets took on the St. Louis Rams on Military Appreciation Day. Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos, USN, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
McAfee, the former Colts punter who has found a second life as a ‘guy talk’ podcaster, is not afraid to toe the line in terms of content. Following the news of the lawsuit, he went on his show and answered with, “See ya in court, pal.”
For his part, McAfee dismissed any chance that Favre would win a decision against him. Throughout his rebuttals on the show, he repeatedly pointed out that he, nor any of his co-hosts, said that Favre was guilty of anything. Instead, they just mentioned the various allegations, without actually passing any public judgment.
That hasn’t stopped Favre or his attorney, Eric Herschmann, from doubling down on their efforts against McAfee, who also serves as a commentator for ESPN Gameday and for WWE Smackdown on the FOX Network. He’s currently one of the most visible and popular personalities in sports media.
That may be what made him a target in this lawsuit. His opinion carries a lot of weight with the sporting audience right now. So any slight could understandably have ruffled the notoriously emotional Favre. That may or may not necessarily be grounds for some form of financial settlement. But based on Herschmann’s recent statement, he seems to have no doubt.
Pat McAfee via The Pat McAfee Show YouTube
“It’s going to cost Pat McAfee millions of dollars. And if it bankrupts him, then he will have learned his lesson,” Herschmann said.
“You don’t try to promote yourself by inappropriately and improperly attacking somebody else.”
While the case against McAfee is doubtful to go that far, the story regarding Favre has gotten ugly. And considering it’s now been backed up by text messages and some confessions, it doesn’t look great for the former three-time NFL MVP.
Through his connections with former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, Favre secured money for the construction of a volleyball stadium at his alma mater, Southern Mississippi University. It allegedly utilized $5 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds of The State of Mississippi and an additional $1.1 million from Favre.
Along with McAfee, Favre has also filed lawsuits aimed at Mississippi State Auditor Shad White and former NFL star and current commentator Shannon Sharpe. All contain similar allegations of defamation regarding the welfare scandal.
Brett Favre hands off the ball to a Green Bay Packers running back in the November 27, 2006 Monday Night Football game vs Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field, Seattle, WA. Photo Credit: Jame Healy, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
What do you make of Favre’s lawyer issuing such a strong statement against McAfee?