Can Shilo Sanders escape the $11.89M judgment in his security guard case? Analyst reveals why Deion Sanders’ testimony could be crucial

Shilo Sanders is fighting to erase an $11.89 million judgment tied to a 2015 altercation with former school security guard John Darjean. His bankruptcy trial began on August 31 in Denver, and the early testimony has not helped his case. Now, attention has turned to his father, Deion Sanders, who could testify remotely before the trial ends.The case does not decide whether Shilo Sanders owes the money. A Texas court already entered the $11.89 million default judgment in Darjean’s favor in 2022. Instead, the bankruptcy judge must decide whether Shilo’s actions caused a “willful and malicious” injury. That ruling will determine whether he can wipe out the debt through bankruptcy.Shilo Sanders faces a tough road after witnesses testify against himThe case goes back to September 17, 2015, when Darjean worked as a security guard at Shilo’s school in Dallas. Darjean said he tried to take Shilo Sanders phone and accused the teenager of hitting and punching him during the confrontation.Shilo’s lawyers now argue that he acted in self-defense. That argument matters because bankruptcy law does not allow someone to erase a debt tied to a willful and malicious injury.The first day of the trial, however, gave Darjean’s side some momentum. On August 31, several witnesses testified through prerecorded video. One witness said Shilo struck Darjean with an elbow before punching him twice. Another described the attack as unprovoked, while another called Shilo’s behavior “aggressive” and “volatile,” according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.That puts more weight on the defense’s version of events. Shilo’s lawyers must now convince Judge Michael E. Romero that the evidence supports self-defense rather than a deliberate attack. Deion Sanders could provide key testimony in his son’s bankruptcy fightDeion Sanders could add another piece to that argument. Darjean has said he spoke with Deion by phone shortly before the confrontation and that the phone seizure happened at Deion’s direction. Deion did not witness the physical altercation, but his conversation with Darjean could matter if Shilo’s lawyers open the door to that evidence.On August 31, Deion also publicly backed his son in a video from Colorado’s practice ground. According to USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer, Deion said, “Praying for my baby … that people see what really transpired.”Mike Florio reported that Deion could testify remotely on September 4, but only if Shilo’s lawyers open the door to testimony about why Shilo did not want to lose access to his phone.That makes the next stage of the case especially important. Judge Romero, not a jury, will decide whether Shilo’s conduct meets the “willful and malicious” standard.If the judge rules against Shilo, the $11.89 million debt will remain. If he rules in Shilo’s favor, the former Colorado safety could have a path to discharge the judgment through bankruptcy.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.