Colorado football coach Deion Sanders is standing by his son, Shilo, amid reports that the younger Sanders is facing legal action over missed payments on a luxury vehicle. During Colorado’s pro day on April 4, Deion addressed a bankruptcy court filing from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, which claimed Shilo defaulted on payments for a 2023 Mercedes.
Mercedes-Benz alleges that Shilo, a top safety prospect for the upcoming NFL draft, has missed nearly $7,000 in payments between December and February. The company has asked the bankruptcy court for permission to repossess the car, saying the vehicle is depreciating in value and Shilo still owes over $97,000 of the $135,000 price tag.
But according to Deion, the issue was simply the result of a technical mishap. “I know some other bulljunk came out, but he fulfilled all his financial obligations,” Sanders said, quoting Shilo’s attorney. “These issues appear to have risen due to disruptions in the payment process — this is from his attorney — ‘following the termination of Mr. Sanders’ online account access.’ So he’s good.”
Sanders and the Chapter 7
Shilo, 25, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 2023 after a court ordered him to pay more than $11 million to a former school security guard, John Darjean. The debt stems from a 2015 incident in which Darjean alleged Shilo assaulted him during an altercation over a cell phone. Shilo claimed self-defense but did not appear in court, resulting in a default judgment against him.
Shilo’s bankruptcy filing halted collection efforts, but Mercedes-Benz argues that it should be allowed to reclaim the car due to nonpayment. The legal battle over the debt continues in court.
Despite the financial drama, Shilo impressed NFL scouts at Colorado’s pro day, clocking a 4.52-second 40-yard dash. His father praised him both as a player and person. “I love who he is on and off the field,” Deion said.
Coach Prime claimed that his family is held to a higher standard. “We’re here to change the game,” Deion said. “So you’re gonna be held to a different standard. We cool with that.”
