Brett Favre’s lawyers are playing hardball with Mississippi

In the midst of a civil lawsuit against Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, Mississippi is investigating the alleged misappropriation of federal welfare funds. The cooperation between the respective lawyers is a point of contention in this case.

Interestingly, it seems that Favre’s lawyers are playing hardball.

A.J. Perez of FrontOfficeSports.com has reported that the lawyers representing the Mississippi Department of Human Services have filed a motion to compel the production of materials that Favre has been hesitant to provide. Favre has raised objections to 27 different categories of document requests, including potential text messages and emails exchanged with others involved in an alleged scheme to misuse millions of federal welfare dollars.

It is customary for parties involved in civil litigation to make good-faith objections to requests for information. In such cases, the party seeking the information can file a motion to compel with the court to resolve the dispute.

However, there is a practical catch. If the party refusing to provide the information is merely trying to be difficult, it may anger the judge and potentially influence the judge’s perception of the recalcitrant party’s entire case.

Favre’s lawyers have criticized the attempts to access his tax records as “overly broad, unduly burdensome, and harassing.” These are familiar terms used in civil litigation where the parties often have a contentious relationship and are not inclined to cooperate on issues that could and should be resolved through fair and reasonable discussion.

In most jurisdictions, the parties are required to attempt to resolve disputes regarding discovery requests before involving the court. However, if one side is determined to fight, the court will become involved and issue a ruling on whether the information must be provided.

Favre maintains his innocence and has not faced any criminal charges thus far.