A Jets player's social media posts may have been a little too cheeky, and are now causing legal trouble for himself and a prominent sports media company.
A 42-year-old Mississippi mother accused All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner of defaming her during a social media spat when he falsely claimed she had an OnlyFans account. , is being sued by Kali Mariakis.
The lawsuit, filed Dec. 31 in New Jersey Superior Court, also names Barstool Sports as a defendant, according to court documents reviewed by the newspaper.
Gardner's agent, Vayner Sports, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This lawsuit first became reality when An Ohio law firm blogged about it. on tuesday.
The lawsuit stems from an August 2024 exchange between Gardner and Mariakis, who is described in the lawsuit as an “avid” Bills fan.
Gardner posted a photo of boxes, ladders and construction equipment with the caption: “Do I even need to tell you what to build in my new house?”
Mariakis responded, and according to the complaint, she responded “just kidding” with, “Is this a simulator to teach you not to commit pass interference or defensive holding?”
At the time, Gardner responded with the post in question, implying that Maliakis had an account on OnlyFans, a subscription platform primarily associated with sexually explicit content.
“I'm sure your husband won't like it if I tell you.” [direct messaged] Could you please give me your OF link? ” Gardner replied.
The lawsuit claims Gardner's social media response was viewed by at least 9.5 million people, and Maliakis provided proof of his claims to the Jets star in two separate social media responses. He said he asked him to do so.
Gardner “or someone acting on his behalf” removed the post from his X account on Aug. 22, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit denies that Mariacas had such an OnlyFans account and accuses Gardner of making “intentionally false and malicious statements,” but also alleges they were amplified. Posted by Barstool Sports Title: “If you're a married OnlyFans model who DMs Sauce Gardner, you'd be wise not to troll him about his reporting skills.”
Mariakis and his family “experienced numerous embarrassing moments and harassment from acquaintances, friends, family, co-workers, and the general public” regarding Gardner's posts and the Barstool article, the complaint alleges.
Additionally, the people “have abused Plaintiff, referred to her internet activity, particularly Plaintiff's allegedly non-existent OnlyFans account, and in this connection have criticized her persona as a respectable young woman, wife, and woman. “I questioned his reputation,” he added. mother. ”
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as litigation costs and fees, from both Gardner and Barstool Sports.
A lawyer representing Mariakis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Gardner has gotten into trouble before due to her social media habits.
He had to apologize in November for a post in which he fired shots at reporters and fans after the Cardinals' loss on Nov. 10.
At the time, Gardner said he had deleted X from his phone.
Gardner had 49 tackles, nine passes defensed, one interception and one sack in his third NFL season.
