NFL Star Sauce Gardner Sues Contractor for $1.4 Million Over Alleged Fraudulent Renovation Deal on Detroit Apartment Building

Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, the acclaimed cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts, has initiated legal proceedings against Sanborn Construction, a Michigan-based contractor, seeking a total of $1.4 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed on March 12, 2024, and first reported by TMZ, centers on allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of contract concerning the renovation of an abandoned apartment building in Detroit. Gardner, whose real name is Ahmad Gardner, purchased the property for $935,000, with the intention of undertaking a significant overhaul. He claims that Sanborn Construction, led by its CEO Nicholas Sanborn, induced him into the deal under false pretenses and subsequently failed to deliver on promised renovation services after receiving a substantial $500,000 deposit.

The legal complaint details a social media interaction between Gardner and Nicholas Sanborn, which evolved into discussions about real estate investment opportunities. Sanborn reportedly brought Gardner's attention to a disused apartment building located in Detroit's New Center neighborhood. Gardner, a native of Detroit, expressed particular interest when Sanborn allegedly misrepresented the availability of an adjacent building, suggesting it was also on the market. Gardner asserts that this information was untrue and formed a key part of the alleged deception that led him to invest in the multifamily property. The building in question, formerly known as Bonita Apartments, comprises 44 vacant units. Gardner officially closed on the property on May 11, with the final sale price recorded at $935,000. Notably, prior to Gardner's acquisition, the building had been listed for a higher price, close to $1.2 million.

Following the purchase, Gardner contracted Sanborn Construction to manage the extensive renovation of the abandoned structure. The lawsuit contends that after receiving the $500,000 deposit, Sanborn Construction became unresponsive and failed to commence or complete the agreed-upon renovation work. The total sum of $1.4 million sought by Gardner includes the full reimbursement of his $500,000 deposit, plus an additional $900,000 in damages to compensate for the alleged fraud, breach of contract, and resulting losses. Gardner's legal action highlights concerns about contractor accountability and the potential risks involved in large-scale property investments, particularly when relying on representations made through social media and initial business dealings.