Deion Sanders Served Subpoena for Son’s Bankruptcy Trial Same Week as Season Opener

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders has been served a subpoena to testify at his son Shilo’s bankruptcy trial starting August 31, the same week the Buffaloes open their season at Georgia Tech on September 3. A Boulder County sheriff’s deputy attempted to serve papers on campus August 11 but found Sanders unavailable during an open practice. Sanders’ attorney, Harvey Steinberg, accepted service via email on August 19. The trial addresses Shilo’s $11.89 million debt to a former high school security guard.

Why Shilo Sanders owes $11.89 million

Shilo Sanders, 26, a former Colorado safety, owes the debt to John Darjean, a security guard at his Dallas high school. In 2015, when Shilo was 15, he and Darjean had a physical altercation that Darjean claims caused permanent injuries. Darjean sued and won a default judgment of $11.89 million in March 2022 after Shilo failed to appear at trial. Shilo filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 2023 and claims he could not afford legal representation at the time and never received notice of new trial dates.

The scheduling conflict with Colorado’s season

The bankruptcy trial is scheduled to begin August 31 and last approximately five days through September 4. Colorado’s football team is set to leave for Georgia on September 1 and play Georgia Tech on September 3. Judge Michael E. Romero acknowledged the conflict during a pretrial hearing on August 14, saying he would not be surprised if Deion Sanders attempted to fight the subpoena. The judge noted that while he has no ties to Colorado, the timing creates a potential issue.

How the papers were served

A Boulder County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived at the University of Colorado campus at 10:22 a.m. on August 11 during an open practice at Franklin Field to serve civil papers to Deion Sanders. The deputy found Sanders unavailable. CU Boulder staff were cooperative and helped identify an alternative time for service. Sanders’ legal counsel then agreed to accept the documents on his behalf via email, and the paperwork was transferred to Denver for formal service on August 19.

Can Deion Sanders avoid testifying

Sanders’ attorney could file a motion to quash the subpoena, but a scheduling conflict with a job or game is unlikely to succeed. Judge Romero would need to find other grounds such as undue burden or expense. The subpoena commands attendance within 100 miles of where Sanders resides, is employed, and regularly conducts business. Legal experts contacted by USA TODAY Sports indicated the judge may find Deion Sanders has relevant testimony to provide regarding Shilo’s financial situation and the debt.

Final Thoughts

Deion Sanders now faces a legal obligation to testify during Colorado’s season-opening week. While his attorney could challenge the subpoena, the scheduling conflict alone is unlikely to stop it. The trial outcome will determine whether Shilo must pay the $11.89 million judgment.

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