Overview of the Lawsuit Involving Sauce Gardner and OnlyFans Allegation
In a legal dispute that has gathered significant online attention, All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner is implicated in a defamation lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey on December 31. The case also involves popular media company Barstool Sports, stemming from a contentious interaction on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter.
Details of the Social Media Dispute
The controversy began when Sauce Gardner, noted for his prowess on the football field, posted an image on X humorously alluding to construction at his new residence. Kalli Mariakis, a 42-year-old Buffalo Bills fan from Mississippi, engaged with Gardner's post by playfully critiquing his football techniques. The interaction took a derogatory turn when Gardner insinuated that Mariakis might be involved with OnlyFans, a platform often associated with adult content, by stating, “I’m sure your husband wouldn’t like it if I told him you [direct messaged] me your OF link, would he?”
Impact of the Allegation on Mariakis
Mariakis challenged Gardner to produce proof of his claims, which he did not provide. The exchange, which was viewed by approximately 9.5 million users, was later deleted by Gardner or an associate on August 22. However, the damage was already done. Mariakis reported experiencing considerable harassment and embarrassment from her community and online, leading to a scrutinization of her character and false allegations of her involvement with OnlyFans.
Legal Consequences and Claims
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as court costs and fees, citing the defamation and the subsequent negative impacts on Mariakis’s reputation as a respected individual, wife, and mother. Both Gardner and Barstool Sports have been named in the lawsuit, though representatives from Gardner’s management team at VaynerSports have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Previous Controversies Involving Gardner
This is not the first time Gardner has faced scrutiny over his social media interactions. The cornerback, now in his third season in the NFL, with statistics including 49 tackles, nine passes defended, one interception, and one sack, had previously announced the removal of X from his phone following earlier controversies.
