Earlier this month, a Colorado Buffaloes fan sued the NFL $100 million after quarterback Shedeur Sanders slid to the fifth round of the NFL Draft. The dramatic slide to the 144th overall selection followed controversy about the player’s attitude during interviews and concern about the involvement of his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.
The anonymous fan is claiming racial discrimination against the NFL and brought the case to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The lawsuit was filed on May 7 and now, the plaintiff is asking for something else.
A Colorado fan is suing the NFL for causing him “emotional distress and trauma” after Shedeur Sanders fell to the 5th round in the draft.
He is seeking $100M for the harm the NFL caused to his well-being, plus an apology and a more fair draft process.
(via @MSNBC) pic.twitter.com/RavnzjXnQu
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 6, 2025
Emergency motions seeks internal NFL docs
On Monday, May 19, the same day that Sanders signed his rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns, the plaintiff filed an emergency motion seeking early discoveryciting public interest and potential evidence within the NFL’s control.
Requested documents include:
- Internal communications about Sanders, including texts, emails, and memos, between NFL executivesrepresentatives, and scouts – between January 1, 2024 to May 1, 2025
- Scouting reports, draft boards, and interview notes used to evaluate QB prospects
- Audio/video of draft meetings and combine sessions regarding Sanders
- Media coordination and communications about Sanders
- Details on the prank phone call and the phone number leak involving Sanders
- A 61-page arbitration report allegedly showing collusion against Black quarterbacks.
The plaintiff claims that Sanders’ draft slide caused “irreparable harm” to both Sanders and the “fans who reasonably expect fairness, integrity, and nondiscrimination.” In a statement, the plaintiff accused the NFL of a “systematic effort to undermine Shedeur Sanders’ opportunities in the NFL” as well as other Black quarterbacks. The lawsuit also references discrimination cases involving the NFL, including those filed by Brian Flores and Colin Kaepernick.
“This motion is not just about one player; it represents a broader fight against racial discrimination and the abuse of power within one of the most influential sports leagues in the world.”
The NFL has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
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