Sauce Gardner Takes on Detroit Contractor Over $1.4 Million Real Estate Nightmare

New York Jets' star cornerback Sauce Gardner is taking legal action against a Michigan construction company, alleging that he was misled and left out of pocket by over $900,000 after a property deal gone awry. The All-Pro defender, represented by Ben Levine of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, has filed a lawsuit against the Detroit-based contractor and its CEO for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraudulent inducement, and more, seeking to recover all losses and damages incurred from the failed project. The dispute stems from an enticing real estate opportunity Gardner encountered on social media with Nicholas Sanborn of Sanborn Construction. The two connected in March and discussed a historic apartment building for sale in Detroit, which piqued the interest of the Pro Bowler, especially after he was reportedly told that an adjacent property was also up for grabs (it wasn't). In May, Gardner made the purchase for over $900,000 and promptly hired Sanborn as the general contractor to oversee renovations. Gardner claims that after wiring a hefty $500,000 deposit for initial construction costs, such as windows, roofing, doors, and framing, he was assured that the project would be completed in a matter of months. However, instead of progress photos and timely updates, Gardner found himself faced with radio silence. To add insult to injury, Sanborn published a YouTube video titled "COMPLETELY RESTORING An Abandoned 102 Year Old Historic Apartment Building With Sauce Gardner," using the NFL star's name to promote themselves without his permission. By July, Gardner had grown tired of waiting and demanded that Sanborn halt all work and return his $500,000 deposit. The contractor, however, continued to spend money on materials, ultimately dropping $160K at Home Depot 16 days after the demand was made. In response, Gardner is suing for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraudulent inducement, fraudulent concealment, and negligent misrepresentation. The Pro Bowler seeks full recovery of his initial investment, as well as additional damages stemming from the failed deal. We have reached out to the defendant for comment but have yet to receive a response.