Court orders Deion Sanders to be available for son's bankruptcy trial
A bankruptcy judge ruled that Colorado coach Deion Sanders must be available to testify virtually on Sept. 4, the day after the Buffaloes' season opener at Georgia Tech. However, testimony is unlikely unless the defense opens the door to his prior statements. The trial involves his son Shilo's attempt to discharge over $11 million in debt.
The ruling stems from Shilo Sanders' attempt to discharge more than $11 million owed to John Darjean, a former high school security guard who secured a 2022 default judgment after a physical altercation with Shilo in 2015. Deion Sanders was never physically served subpoena papers on Aug. 11; his attorney accepted them on his behalf Thursday.
Judge Romero set the virtual availability for 1:30 p.m. MT on Sept. 4, the day after Colorado's season opener at Georgia Tech. However, testimony would only occur on rebuttal if Shilo's defense opens the door to Deion's prior statements, which his attorney does not expect. The trial runs five days and is open to the public.
This case could affect how courts balance coaching obligations against legal proceedings, particularly for high-profile figures in college athletics. It may also draw public attention to bankruptcy proceedings involving athletes and their families, potentially influencing how similar cases are handled. Fans and the university community may be impacted by the distraction during the football season opener week.