Shilo Sanders can't even afford a suit as $11.89 million lawsuit threat hangs over him

Shilo Sanders is facing an $11.89 million bankruptcy battle, but one of his most immediate concerns during the trial had little to do with the courtroom’s central legal question.

The former Colorado safety reportedly went shopping for a suit to wear during his Denver bankruptcy proceedings and set himself a surprisingly tight budget of less than $150.

That proved to be easier said than done. The suits available at the store were reportedly approaching $1,000, putting them far beyond Sanders ’ clothing budget. After trying on several options, he turned to his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders , for some assistance.

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Shilo joked that he didn’t want to look like a magician for his court appearance.

“The only thing I don’t want to look like is a magician today,” said Shilo . “That’s it. No magician. I have to give you [the consultant] one challenge, though. It has to be less than $150.”

Eventually, Sanders headed to his father’s home, where Deion stepped in. Shilo said his dad would provide him with two suits from his closet, saving him what he estimated would’ve been around $1,000.

Shilo Sanders’ bankruptcy battle carries far greater consequences

The clothing dilemma is only a small part of a much larger problem. Sanders ’ bankruptcy case stems from a 2015 confrontation at Focus Learning Academy in Dallas involving security guard John Darjean. Sanders was 15 at the time.

Darjean later sued Sanders and was awarded an $11,890,937 default judgment in 2022 after Sanders failed to appear for the Texas trial. Sanders subsequently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2023, seeking relief from the enormous debt.

However, bankruptcy may not erase the judgment. The current federal proceedings are focused largely on whether Sanders ’ actions amounted to a “willful and malicious” injury. Under bankruptcy law, certain debts arising from intentional and malicious injuries can’t be discharged.

Sanders has maintained that he acted in self-defense during the confrontation, claiming Darjean attacked and choked him. Testimony from other witnesses, however, has presented conflicting versions of what happened. Some witnesses challenged Sanders ’ account, while Darjean’s attorney argued that the defense’s position had shifted over the years.

The trial also took an emotional turn when Darjean collapsed in court after testifying at length about the permanent effects of his injuries. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Now, the biggest question is whether Sanders can emerge from bankruptcy without being forced to pay the $11.89 million judgment. The court’s eventual ruling could have a major impact on his financial future.

Despite the Sanders name carrying enormous football recognition, Shilo’s own finances remain at the heart of his bankruptcy proceedings.