San Francisco 49ers star Deommodore Lenoir skipped a holiday charity event for children with Down Syndrome, a report has claimed.Â
The cornerback, 26, was reportedly scheduled to attend a holiday toy drive in Santa Cruz, California last week to collect toys and gifts for the children.Â
However, event organizers have claimed to TMZ that Lenoir failed to show, leaving the children disappointed.Â
A representative for Lenoir denied the accusations to the outlet. The Daily Mail has also reached out for comment.Â
The furious organizers claimed that they had repeatedly tried to get in contact with the NFL players but alleged that he ignored their desperate calls.Â
The event, which was held at the Chaminade Resort and Spa, was organized on behalf of The Matthew Foundation, a charitable organization that strives to improve the quality of life for persons with Down Syndrome throughout their life spans.Â
San Francisco 49ers star Deommodore Lenoir reportedly skipped a holiday charity event
The cornerback was reportedly set to attend a toy drive for children with Down SyndromeÂ
Niners safety Siran Neal (center) stepped in to save the day, hosting the event insteadÂ
Lenoir was slated to make an appearance to benefit the event and was even advertised as a special guest on the organizers’ Instagram pages two weeks ago.Â
According to his representative, Lenoir was excited to host the event, which was for a cause close to his heart as his sister also has Down Syndrome.Â
However, he reportedly changed his mind around two weeks before the event after allegedly learning that adults would also be attending. He then is said to no longer want to participate.Â
Yet, organizers disputed that version of events, claiming that they only discovered he wouldn’t be attending until the last minute.Â
‘There was no misunderstanding,’ a spokesperson told TMZ, ‘He just chose not to come.’Â
Instead, Niners safety Siran Neal stepped in to save the day. The 31-year-old hosted the event in Lenoir’s place, helping to spread joy through the holiday season.Â
‘He was so personable,’ the spokesperson said. ‘He could definitely be an ambassador for the city of San Francisco and the 49ers.’
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San Francisco 49ers star accused of skipping holiday charity event for children with Down Syndrome