University of Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders has been subpoenaed to testify in his son Shilo Sanders' bankruptcy trial. The trial is scheduled to begin August 31, just days before the Buffaloes' September 3 season opener against Georgia Tech.
Judge Michael E. Romero acknowledged the potential conflict, stating, "I’m also concerned there’s a game: CU’s first game is that same week... I am just recognizing that is a potential issue." It remains unclear if the subpoena will affect Sanders' ability to coach the season's first game.
Shilo Sanders filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2023 to address a significant debt stemming from a personal injury lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by former security guard John Darjean, who alleges Shilo injured him when he was 15. Darjean is seeking $11.89 million.
A default judgment was awarded to Darjean after Shilo failed to appear in court for the initial personal injury suit. Shilo's defense team has stated they did not have an updated mailing address for him, as the notice for the 2022 trial was sent to a South Carolina address he had not resided at since 2020.
For Shilo's bankruptcy filing to be successful in discharging the debt, he must prove that his actions against Darjean were not a "willful and malicious injury." If this is proven, the debt may not be dischargeable through bankruptcy.
This legal entanglement comes as Shilo Sanders, a former Colorado Buffaloes safety, also faces accusations of failing to keep up with payments on a Mercedes-Benz and was sued by his former lawyers for unpaid bills. Shilo had a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but did not make the team.
Deion Sanders has the option to file a motion to quash the subpoena. The Colorado football program recently sent a letter to reporters covering the team, stating they were permitted to attend practices but prohibited from reporting on any events that occurred during them. This notice may have been related to the ongoing legal situation involving Shilo Sanders.