OpenRoad Auto Group Sues NFL Star Trent Williams Over Unpaid Porsche Lease
San Francisco 49ers tackle Trent Williams faces legal proceedings from OpenRoad Auto Group, which claims the athlete ceased payments on a 2021 Porsche 911 lease after just two transactions, leaving 46 payments outstanding and the vehicle’s location unknown.
OpenRoad Auto Group has initiated legal proceedings against San Francisco 49ers tackle Trent Williams, alleging breach of contract and fraud concerning a 2021 Porsche 911 lease. The lawsuit, reported via TMZ, seeks $244,199.28 in damages, alongside attorneys' fees and litigation costs, from the NFL player.
According to the complaint, Williams signed a four-year lease for the sports car in August 2021. OpenRoad alleges that Williams made only two payments, totaling $10,617.26, via bank debit before closing the associated bank account. This action left 46 payments outstanding on the agreement, which expired in August of the previous year.
The plaintiff contends that it is unaware of the current whereabouts of the vehicle. OpenRoad alleges that Williams may have sold the car to a dealership, which subsequently sold it to another party. The company is seeking to recover the full value of the unpaid lease balance plus legal costs.
The filing raises immediate questions regarding the timeline and mechanics of the alleged default. It remains unclear why OpenRoad waited until now to take formal action if the lease expired last August. Furthermore, the allegation that Williams sold the vehicle without transferring a valid title is disputed by the nature of lease agreements, where ownership typically remains with the leasing company until the term concludes.
All claims regarding Williams' conduct, including the allegations of fraud and the unauthorized sale of the vehicle, are assertions made by the plaintiff and have not been proven in court. The case highlights the complexities of high-value asset leasing and the legal recourse available to finance companies when payments cease.
