A high-profile bankruptcy case involving college football star Shilo Sanders and a creditor being represented by MR.LAW Accident & Injury Attorneys Partner Ori Raphael has garnered national media attention, including coverage by Sports Illustrated and USA Today, as it faces delays over privacy concerns.
The bankruptcy case, which involves legal disputes over the disclosure of sensitive financial information, stems from a 2023 bankruptcy filing by Shilo Sanders, a former safety for the University of Colorado football team, NFL hopeful, and son of Colorado head coach and former NFL star Deion Sanders. That bankruptcy filing was intended to help Sanders clear over $11 million in debt, nearly all of which is owed to a former security guard from his Dallas, Texas high school who is currently represented by Ori Raphael.
As reported by Sports Illustrated and USA Today, new filings in the case have intensified legal arguments over what financial records should be made available to creditors in cases involving high-profile individuals. This includes a motion for a protective order filed by Sanders to prevent the public release of sensitive financial information, such as bank statements, that Sanders argues could pose a threat to his privacy.
Representing the main creditor in this case, Ori Raphael has been vocal in advocating for his client’s right to obtain the necessary financial details to proceed with the case and opposing the motion on grounds that it’s overly broad, one-sided, and unnecessary given the fact that Sanders’ highly visible social media presence already publicizes his luxury lifestyle.
In a court filing, Ori underscored the potential consequences of granting Sanders’ proposed protective order, stating:
“Rubber-stamping [Sanders'] proposed protective order will leave the discovery process and use of materials in future hearings and trial in an unworkable tangled ball of chaos requiring large amounts of this limited judicial resources to attempt to untangle.”
Ori and his client, in addition to challenging Sanders’ debt discharge, are pushing for a complete inventory of Sanders’ assets as they seek to recover the full judgment amount. It’s a battle that raises important questions about the level of transparency required in bankruptcy proceedings, which sometimes involve the shielding of sensitive details, and the rights of creditors, who risk recovering only a fraction of what they’re owed when debts are discharged. It can also have a big impact on Sanders, who, should he pursue an NFL career and the court uphold the debt, could see his future earnings garnished.
Ori will continue to fight for his client’s best interests as they await the court’s decision. You can read more about the matter and Ori Raphael’s involvement in articles from Sports Illustrated and USA Today.
Trusted Advocates in High-Stakes Cases
MR.LAW Accident & Injury Attorneys Partner Ori Raphael is a respected advocate with a reputation for representing victims and plaintiffs in high-stakes legal battles ranging from personal injury to contract, IP, copyright, and complex financial disputes. With a background in public service, journalism, and the non-profit sector, he’s dedicated most of his professional life to working on behalf of those seeking justice.
If you have questions about our team or the cases we handle, call (469) 689-0200 or contact us online.