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Steelers WR Diontae Johnson sued for allegedly no-showing at his own youth camp

What is a Diontae Johnson youth football camp without Diontae Johnson? A lawsuit, apparently.

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver was sued in federal court last week by the organizers of a youth camp bearing his name that allegedly had to refund families after he no-showed in May, according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

FlexWork Sports Management LLC reportedly claims Johnson's lack of attendance subjected it to “significant damages, in the form of refunds, credits, and reputational damage.”

Diontae Johnson's team allegedly told organizers 13 minutes before camp

The camp was reportedly scheduled on May 22 at Cupples Stadium in Pittsburgh, with a $125 admission fee that included a "team photo" with Johnson, a T-shirt and assorted goodies, with more interaction with the Steelers Pro Bowler available for an increased price.

At 9:47 a.m. on May 22, 13 minutes before the start of the camp, Flexwork reportedly alleges Johnson's agents informed the organizers of the camp that Johnson's flight had been canceled the previous night and he would arrive later in the day. A subsequent exchange then established Johnson did not want to wait for the second flight and left the airport.

The lawsuit reportedly cites a personal service agreement in which Johnson agreed to pay a cancellation fee of $2,250 as well as cover FlexWork's expenses. Flexwork claims it refunded $36,099.33 in registration fees back to its campers' families while also issuing that much in credit to mitigate the damage. It also claimed its expenses for the camp, including photographer fees, hotels and flights, amounted to more than $10,000.

The company is reportedly requesting Johnson cover its damages, both in expenses and reputation, plus interest and attorney fees.

Johnson may or not have reacted to the lawsuit earlier Tuesday, with a cryptic tweet:

Fortunately for Johnson, he can afford a five-figure legal bill these days. After a Pro Bowl season that saw him lead the Steelers in receptions (107), receiving yards (1,161) and receiving touchdowns (eight), the 26-year-old signed a two-year, $36.7 million contract extension.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) watches as the team goes through drills during practice at NFL football training camp in the Latrobe Memorial Stadium in Latrobe, Pa., Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Diontae Johnson's football camp reportedly ended with a lot of disappointed children. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)