Bankruptcy Blitz

Shilo Sanders, Colorado’s 24-Year-Old Football Star, Entangled in an $11 Million Bankruptcy Lawsuit: A Deep Dive into the Case. This intriguing legal battle scrutinizes whether a high school guard’s injuries were a consequence of Sanders’ on-field actions or a result of the guard’s previous surgical procedure. Sanders is currently represented by a robust team of three attorneys.

Deion Sanders, Shilo’s father, initially brushed off the accusations against his son. However, these allegations have since intensified, leading to Shilo’s bankruptcy filing in October of the previous year. Shilo’s goal is to absolve the debt in bankruptcy court by demonstrating that his actions during the 2015 incident were not “willfully and maliciously” intended.

The crux of the dispute lies in determining whether Darjean’s alleged injury was a consequence of the assault that was brought to court, and if Sanders’ actions were indeed willful and malicious, as stipulated by the Bankruptcy Code. This was outlined in a court filing by Sanders’ attorney on April 24.

As a bankruptcy trustee seeks to inventory his home possessions for debt repayment, Shilo Sanders is confronted with significant risks. A victory for Sanders and his legal team could avert substantial financial damage, but the case could become more expensive with the possibility of a mini-trial over the 2015 incident. Darjean, the primary debt holder, contends that Sanders cannot absolve the debt due to the intentional and harmful nature of the injury.

Angela Littman, a law professor at the University of Texas and an expert in bankruptcy, clarified, “While it’s standard for debts to be dischargeable in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, exceptions exist for debts resulting from willful and malicious conduct.”

In 2016, Darjean launched a lawsuit following an alleged assault by Sanders at his Dallas school in 2015, which caused enduring damage. The case advanced to trial in 2022. Due to Sanders’ absence, Darjean was granted a default judgment of $11.89 million.

Should Shilo Sanders be defeated, Darjean’s efforts to collect the debt could recommence, potentially targeting any future NFL earnings. The case is set to proceed with further court debates in June and July, while Shilo Sanders gears up for his final college season opener against North Dakota State on August 29.