A Mississippi woman is suing former University of Cincinnati All-American and NFL All-Pro Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, alleging that he defamed her by falsely saying on social media that she had an OnlyFans page.
The exchange took place in August 2024. According to the lawsuit, Gardner, who plays cornerback for the New York Jets, had posted on X a photo of boxes, a ladder and construction equipment in an empty room. The caption read: “Do I even have to say what I’m getting built at my new house?”
Kalli Mariakis – a fan of the Jets’ division rivals, the Buffalo Bills – then replied jokingly on X: “A simulator to teach you how not to commit pass interference or defensive holding.”
The next day, according to the lawsuit, Gardner replied on X: “I’m sure your husband wouldn’t like it if I told him you (direct messaged) me your OF link would he?”
Lawsuit: Mariakis never on OnlyFans
Gardner’s post was viewed by at least 9.5 million people, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit says “OF” is widely recognized to refer to the adult website OnlyFans, which is used by women to post sexually explicit content and advertise their availability.
It says Mariakis, a 42-year-old mother, never had a profile on OnlyFans and that Gardner’s statement “constitutes a knowingly false and malicious statement” intended to damage her character and reputation. It says Mariakis, her husband and daughter have all been “subjected to harassment and disparagement.”
The lawsuit’s existence was reported Tuesday by attorney and Enquirer columnist Jack Greiner on his law firm’s blog.
‘We are all waiting!’ Even my husband!!’
On Aug. 23, 2024, Mariakis responded to Gardner, encouraging him in two posts to send a link to the nonexistent OnlyFans profile.
“We are all waiting! Even my husband!!” she said in one.
Mariakis is also suing Barstool Sports, a website that posted a story the same day, with the headline, “If You’re a Married OnlyFans Model Who’s Been DMing Sauce Gardner, You’d Be Wise Not to Troll Him About His Coverage Skill.”
The complaint was filed Dec. 31 in Morris County, New Jersey, Superior Court.
Gardner’s agent and a Jets spokesman did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.
Gardner never gave up a touchdown in his career at UC and was twice named a First Team All-American. He also was part of the Bearcats‘ first-ever College Football Playoff team in 2021. The Jets chose him with the fourth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the highest a UC player has ever been taken.
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