Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Denico Autry is facing a lawsuit over a fire that damaged a garage in Zionsville, per the Indianapolis Star.
The January fire caused over $30,000 in damage in the garage of an apartment he was renting, according to the Star. The lawsuit alleges that the fire was started by Autry’s smoking.
From the Star:
The lawsuit, which seeks compensatory damages for the fire, accuses Autry of breach of contract and negligence. It says Autry’s smoking was the “direct and proximate cause” of the fire and resulting damages.
Paul Jefferson, the attorney for Viewegh, said Autry was working on a 4-wheeler and he told the fire department he was smoking a cigar.
The lawsuit says Viewegh began receiving complaints from neighboring tenants related to smoking at the apartment after Autry moved there in August. “Complaints, including many for marijuana smoke odor, began in September,” the lawsuit says.
After receiving the complaints, Viewegh contacted Autry’s real estate agent and requested Autry cease smoking at the apartment, the lawsuit says. Autry continued smoking at the apartment, according to the lawsuit, and Viewegh continued to receive complaints through the end of 2020.
Autry signed a three-year deal with the Colts during the 2018 offseason. Since then, he’s recorded 20 sacks, 26 quarterback hits and 32 tackles for loss.
Autry is set to be a free agent when the new league year arrives on March 17.
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