Judge allows subpoenas in Shilo Sanders bankruptcy case

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated May 16, 2025 6:14 PM ET

As Shilo Sanders' federal bankruptcy case heats up, the judge made a key ruling in the case this week.

Bankruptcy Judge Michael E. Romero granted a request for subpoenas, saying that the court found “good cause” for them before trial. This will allow Sanders' creditor, John Darjean, a former security guard at Shilo’s former high school in Dallas, the ability to obtain records from third-party sources related to an incident between him and Sanders in 2015.

The specific nature of the records requested by Darjean is not clear. The order authorizes subpoenas for the “production of all records, investigations, and police reports” from a third party that is redacted in the court order, according to USA TODAY Sports.

Shilo was 15 years old when the incident with Darjean occurred. Sanders, who is now 25, was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the Chapter 7 bankruptcy hanging over his head. What's at stake in the case remains clear. Sanders' $11.89 million debt owed to Darjean could get wiped out, if he can prove there was no malice intent in the 2015 alleged assault. However, the details aren't favorable for Sanders at the current time.

Darjean claims Shilo severely and permanently injured him in 2015 when he swung an elbow into his upper chest and punched him as Darejan tried to confiscate his phone at school. Shilo and his parents, Deion and Pilar Sanders, were sued for damages in 2016. The elder Sanders were dropped from the suit but Shilo remained attached. Darjean was awarded the multi-million dollar default judgment against Shilo after he was a no-show for trial in 2022. He was an active participant until the case went to trial.

After Darjean moved to collect, Shilo filed for bankruptcy in 2023 to effectively erase the judgment against him and get a “fresh start, free from the oppressive burdens of his debt,” as his attorneys said. Darjean’s attorneys are arguing in the judgement should stand and stems from a “willful and malicious injury” by Shilo. If Darjean succeeds in proving that Shilo acted willfully and maliciously, he'll be on the hook for the $11.89 million judgment.

Shilo arrives in Tampa with plenty of college experience and NFL bloodlines. Over five seasons at three schools, including South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado.

Sanders played in 54 games (36 starts) with 229 tackles, six interceptions, and forced an impressive nine fumbles. While at Colorado, he forced four fumbles, picked off one pass, and returned both an interception and a fumble for touchdowns, showcasing his ability to create big plays on defense.

Shilo starts his NFL career with the possibility of paying a massive debt looming. He'll try to make the Bucs roster as an undrafted free agent after signing a three-year deal worth $2.96 million, according to Sportrac.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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