Emmitt Smith’s post-playing career has kept him busy, but one of his business ventures is now drawing unwanted scrutiny.
Front Office Sports reported that Smith’s energy company, 4 13 Solutions, is being sued by Kituwah LLC, the investment and economic development arm of the Band of Cherokee. According to the report, Kituwah says it entered into a project with Smith and his business partner David Mosley and put in $2.5 million.
The problem, Kituwah claims, is that the money never came back. The loan is said to be two years old, and the Native American company says it has not received a single penny. With the payment overdue, Kituwah is seeking the original $2.5 million along with “interest, costs, expenses, and any additional damages to be determined at trial.”
The filings say the money was supposed to help fund a solar farm, but that project has not been started. Kituwah is also accusing Smith of running a scheme and says the funds were used to pay debt to another firm.
Smith, a Hall of Fame running back who spent most of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, has stayed active since retiring. He has worked as an analyst, won Dancing With the Stars, runs a commercial real estate firm and founded 4 13 Solutions.
On the field, Smith’s résumé remains one of the strongest in football history. The 17th overall pick in the 1990 NFL draft, he answered early doubts about his speed by rushing for 937 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie.
He then became a staple of the Dallas offense, topping 1,000 rushing yards in 11 straight seasons. Smith led the NFL in rushing yards four times and in rushing touchdowns three times, finishing his Cowboys run with 17,162 rushing yards and 153 touchdowns, both franchise records.
Smith played his final two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and still produced in his last year, rushing for 937 yards and nine touchdowns at age 35. He remains the NFL’s all-time rushing leader with 18,355 yards and also holds the record for rushing touchdowns with 164.
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