49ers Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir Accused of Skipping Holiday Charity Event

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir faced accusations that he skipped a holiday charity toy drive for children with Down syndrome in Santa Cruz last week. Organizers told TMZ that Lenoir did not appear at the event, leaving attendees disappointed. A representative for Lenoir denied the allegations to TMZ, and The Daily Mail also asked for comment as the story circulated online.

The charity drive, held at the Chaminade Resort and Spa, was organized on behalf of The Matthew Foundation, a nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for people with Down Syndrome across their lifespans. Lenoir, 26, had been advertised as a special guest on the organizers’ Instagram pages about two weeks prior to the event, and the organizers said the appearance was framed as a meaningful moment for the children. Lenoir has publicly described the cause as personal, noting that his sister has Down Syndrome and that he was excited about attending. However, sources close to the situation say he reportedly reconsidered roughly two weeks before the event after allegedly learning that adults would also be in attendance.

According to the organizers, there was no misunderstanding about attendance. A spokesperson told TMZ that Lenoir “just chose not to come,” and that the decision was made before it became public. The organizers said they discovered he would not be attending only at the last minute, and they insisted that they had attempted to reach him repeatedly in the days leading up to the toy drive but received no response.

In Lenoir’s stead, San Francisco 49ers safety Siran Neal, who is 31, stepped in to host the event and help distribute toys and other gifts. Neal’s involvement was described by the organizers as a turning point that allowed the drive to proceed and still bring joy to the children during the holiday season. A team spokesperson or organization representative who spoke with TMZ praised Neal as personable and suggested he could be an ambassador for both the city of San Francisco and the 49ers.

The Matthew Foundation’s mission, as outlined by the organizers, is to support individuals with Down Syndrome throughout their lives and to improve their overall quality of life through targeted programs, outreach, and advocacy. The episode underscores ongoing attention to how professional athletes engage in charitable efforts and the expectations placed on public figures when they publicly align with philanthropic events.

The Daily Mail reported on the dispute and sought comment from Lenoir and the 49ers as part of its coverage, but there was no immediate public statement from the team or the league in connection with the claims. The situation remains a matter of record based on the organizers’ accounts and the statements provided by Lenoir’s representative. In the wake of the story, questions may arise about the criteria that guide celebrity involvement in charity events and how organizations verify and confirm appearances in the days leading up to activities that rely on community participation.

As the NFL season continues and players increasingly balance professional obligations with charitable work, the incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny that can accompany high-profile appearances. For The Matthew Foundation and the children who benefit from its programs, the focus remains on delivering joy during the holidays, regardless of the surrounding controversy.