Daniel Sturridge's failure to show up in court in Los Angeles regarding money he reportedly owes a guy who claims to have found his dog has resulted in the issuance of an arrest warrant for him.
In July 2019, after learning that his pet Pomeranian had been abducted from his LA home, the former England striker made a public reward offer for its safe return.
Foster Washington, an American rapper claimed responsibility for reconnecting Sturridge with his dog Lucci but was not given the reward as promised which led to him filing a lawsuit.
Sturridge was ordered by the court to pay up but has failed to respond to the court's order which has led to an arrest warrant for the former Liverpool forward.
Sturridge default his promise
According to reports from Daily Mail, the rapper has said he never got the promised reward, which prompted him to file a lawsuit against the England star.
Sturridge was ordered to pay Washington $30,000 (£24,400) in December 2021 as a result of a default judgment.
The former Liverpool player failed to reply to the complaint and the order made by the court and an arrest warrant has been issued.
The Sky Sports analyst was summoned back to court last month for a "debtor's test," when he was expected to answer inquiries about his money.
After the original court decision in December 2021, Sturridge posted about the case on X, formerly Twitter.
He wrote, "Just to let you know the truth at Christmas. I met a young boy who found my dog and paid him a reward, which he was delighted with, as was I to get my dog back because he was stolen.
"Other people are trying to benefit for their own personal gain. Thank you to the young boy once again. I'm very grateful Lucci is back with our family."
Washington, though, told Mail Sport that he had incurred legal expenses totalling more than $10,000.
He said, "For me, it's a point of principle. He promised me the money. It's a substantial amount of money that could change my family's life.
"He thinks he is above the law. He thinks because he's rich he doesn't have to respond to what's going on. That's why I had to have the judge issue a warrant so he has to pay the money."
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