Colorado football safety Shilo Sanders, son of legendary NFL player and current Colorado head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, is facing legal trouble over missed car payments. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services is seeking court approval to repossess his 2023 vehicle after Sanders defaulted on payments, according to recent court filings, USA Today reported.
The news comes right after Shilo’s father signed a $54 million contract extension.
Sanders, 25, reportedly fell behind on payments of $6,877 per month from December through February, accumulating an outstanding balance of $97,239. The trade-in value of the car is currently estimated at $97,000, slightly less than the amount owed. According to Mercedes-Benz, due to the vehicle’s depreciation and defaulted contract, it should be allowed to repossess and liquidate the asset. The company has also requested that Sanders disclose the vehicle’s location.
A History of Financial Troubles
The car repossession request is the latest financial challenge for Sanders, who filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 2023. His bankruptcy filing was an attempt to clear over $11 million in debt, most of which stems from a lawsuit filed by John Darjean, a former security guard at Sanders’ high school in Texas.
The lawsuit is from a 2015 incident when Sanders, then 15, allegedly injured Darjean during a confrontation over a cellphone. While Sanders claimed self-defense, Darjean sued for damages and won a default judgment of $11.89 million in 2022 after Sanders failed to appear in court.
Legal Complications and Debt Collection
When Sanders filed for bankruptcy, it temporarily halted collection efforts, including those by Mercedes-Benz. Now, the automaker argues that the missed payments and depreciation of the vehicle warrant an exception to this stay, allowing them to reclaim the car. According to USA Today, court records indicate that Sanders initially continued making payments on the vehicle even after filing for bankruptcy but recently stopped fulfilling his financial obligations.
NFL Prospects and Financial Future
Sanders, a defensive back, is currently preparing for the upcoming NFL draft but was not invited to the NFL combine, which could impact his draft prospects. Analysts have predicted he may be a late-round selection or sign as an undrafted free agent.
