Broadcasting giant Sky Sports faces being dragged into a legal battle between one of its pundits, Daniel Sturridge, and a US rapper, who claims he is due a five-figure sum for returning the ex-footballer’s luxury dog. The former Liverpool and England striker’s dog was stolen from his LA mansion in 2019, which led to the 34-year-old offering a cash reward for its safe return.
Foster Washington, known as Killa Fame, found and returned Sturridge’s dog but didn’t receive any payment. And in December 2021, a Los Angeles court ordered Sturridge to pay the five-figure reward. An arrest warrant was also issued for Sturridge, who failed to attend a September hearing regarding the legal issue.
Now, according to the Daily Mail, Washington’s lawyer is now seeking to serve Sky Sports with a ‘third-party subpoena’, which would see the broadcaster be questioned in court. That would lead to questions over any potential money owed to Sturridge, which should then be ordered to be paid to the US rapper instead to bring an end to the legal dispute.
One of Washington’s representatives has accused the former Premier League star of being too concerned about protecting his public image instead of dealing with the issue. “I feel so mad that Sky Sports are letting this man start a whole career when he has a warrant in another state for not paying his bills,” Washington told the publication. “He has lost the case and has been ordered to pay – but he’s using his celebrity to avoid paying.”
Sturridge has denied that he owes money for the return of his dog, Lucci. The Sky Sports pundit, who last played for Melbourne Victory in 2022, says he paid the person who found the dog. “The person seeking payment is not due any money,” Sturridge said last month.
“I already paid the young boy who found Lucci. I was unaware of the court hearing even taking place. The legal paperwork was sent to the Airbnb property which we had left within 24 hours of the burglary.
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“Therefore, I have not had the opportunity to properly represent myself in relation to these false claims. With that being said, I have now instructed California lawyers to deal with matters on my behalf. I am confident that this will be resolved in my favor quickly and put an end to the speculative claim for good.”
Sturridge has impressed Sky Sports viewers, especially with his analysis of strikers and their thought process in front of goal. Teaming up with Jamie Carragher during Chelsea’s 4-1 win at Tottenham on Monday night, Sturridge dissected a number of issues, including Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez’s need to rush when getting a shot off. The Daily Express Sport US has reached out to Sturridge for further comment on the matter.
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