Shilo Sanders, a defensive back and son of Colorado coach Deion Sanders, is facing allegations involving the movement of name, image and likeness earnings, according to recent court filings and public statements.
The accusations stem from a civil lawsuit filed in Texas, where a former security guard claims Sanders attempted to shield personal assets by transferring NIL income through business entities and family-controlled accounts.
Attorneys involved in the case say the dispute centers on whether those transfers violated court orders tied to a previous judgment.
“This is not about football,” the plaintiff’s attorney said in a statement. “This is about accountability and compliance with lawful court rulings.”
Sanders has not been charged criminally. His legal team denies any wrongdoing and says the claims misrepresent routine financial management.
“Shilo Sanders has followed the advice of licensed professionals at all times,” his attorney said. “There was no intent to hide money or avoid obligations.”
Background of the Dispute
The lawsuit traces back to a 2015 incident at a Dallas-area high school, where Sanders attended classes during his father’s NFL broadcasting career.
A security guard alleged Sanders assaulted him during an on-campus altercation. A default judgment was later entered when Sanders did not appear in court.
The judgment included financial damages, which the plaintiff claims remain unpaid.
Court documents allege Sanders later earned significant income through NIL deals while playing college football. Those deals reportedly included sponsorships, social media promotions and merchandise agreements.
The plaintiff’s legal team argues that Sanders moved that income in ways designed to prevent collection.
“We believe funds were rerouted through limited liability companies and family accounts,” the attorney said. “That raises serious legal concerns.”
Sanders’ representatives dispute that characterization.
“These were standard NIL arrangements,” his lawyer said. “There was no violation of any order, and no money was concealed.”
The case highlights growing legal complexity surrounding NIL compensation, which became legal in college sports in 2021.
Athletes can now earn money independently, but those earnings remain subject to existing civil judgments and court oversight.
Sports law experts say the Sanders case could become a reference point.
“NIL income is still personal income,” said one attorney who is not involved in the case. “If a judgment exists, courts can examine how that money is handled.”
Colorado officials declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal process.
Shilo Sanders has continued participating in team activities and has not missed games because of the case.
In a brief social media post last month, Sanders addressed the situation without specifics.
“I’m focused on football and letting the legal process work,” he wrote. “The truth will come out.”
The plaintiff’s attorney said additional hearings are expected later this year.
“This case isn’t going away quietly,” the attorney said. “We intend to see it through.”
Sanders’ legal team said they remain confident.
“We welcome the opportunity to present facts in court,” the attorney said. “We believe Shilo Sanders will be fully cleared.”
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