According to TMZ Sports, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir is being accused of skipping a charity event for children. The function, which was held on December 15, was a holiday toy drive in which Lenoir was expected to collect toys for children with special needs. Lenoir was slated to be a special guest for the event, which was organized on behalf of The Matthew Foundation, a charitable organization that works to improve the quality of life for people with Down Syndrome throughout their life spans.
But a representative for the 49ers' cornerback denies the accusation, saying it was merely a misunderstanding.
Lenoir's rep told TMZ the young defensive back was "genuinely excited to host the event, particularly because his sister has Down Syndrome, so it's a cause near and dear to his heart." But Lenoir's camp says he changed his mind about two weeks before the event after receiving information that adults would also be attending. It was then that Lenoir evidently decided he would not attend the event.
However, a spokesperson for the event isn't buying it, saying there was no misunderstanding and that it wasn't until the last minute that they learned of Lenoir's decision not to show up. "There was no misunderstanding," the spokesperson said, "He just chose not to come." Organizers of the event are furious, accusing the fifth-year player of ignoring their calls as they desperately tried to contact him. They say he left the children disappointed.
Lenoir also responded, posting on social media, "Don't believe everything you see and hear, false narratives. Back to the grind. Go Niners."
But all was not lost. 49ers' safety Siran Neal showed up for the event and, according to the event spokesperson, "saved the day." The spokesperson said Neal was very personable and that the kids had a great time.
"I feel like at a point in my life right now, in my career, that I can give back and show them that you can have a special day just like everybody else," Neal told TMZ. "Showing love to show them that I got their back no matter what. I can be there this holiday to put a smile on their face. That's all."
Neal joined the team as a free agent on March 18, 2025. He has helped solidify a struggling special teams unit, making it one of the league's best.
You can listen to Neal's interview with TMZ Sports below:
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