BURSTDENVER (KDVR) – A fan filed a lawsuit against the National Football League, citing "emotional distress and trauma" after quarterback Shedeur Sanders was drafted later than expected.
The lawsuit, which was filed on May 1, stated that an anonymous fan in Georgia and a "dedicated fan of Colorado football" filed the civil action.
The fan, known as John Doe in the lawsuit, said they followed the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders closely throughout his time with the University of Colorado Buffaloes. Despite his potential, he was the 144th pick during the 2025 NFL Draft.
The lawsuit claims that the narrative around Shedeur Sanders, which reports and leaked statements suggested that he ''tanked interviews" and "was too cocky," harmed his reputation and influenced the NFL's decision-making.
The lawsuit claimed that the NFL violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by colluding with teams to influence the draft, which restrained trade and limited competition within the league. It also alleges that the NFL violated the Civil Rights Act, as the decision regarding Sanders may have been influenced by racial discrimination.
The document also claims the league violated the consumer protection laws, alleging that the NFL may have misrepresented the drafting process and qualifications of players.
In the suit, prosecutors decried that the NFL's practices and statements have left the fan with "severe emotional distress and trauma," as well as frustration, disappointment and psychological harm, and the fan is asking for $100 million in punitive damages.
The fan also asked the NFL to acknowledge the emotional distress caused by its actions and statements, take back slanderous statements made about Sanders, apologize for any harm it may have caused to his reputation, and implement fairer drafting processes.
President Trump, who also weighed in on the situation, announced earlier this month that the 2027 NFL Draft would be held in Washington. He confirmed the news during a White House event alongside D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.