Guard Collapses After Testifying Against Shilo Sanders

During Shilo Sanders' bankruptcy trial on September 3, 2026, former security guard John Darjean, to whom Sanders owes $12 million, collapsed in court after testifying. Darjean is seeking to enforce an $11.89 million judgment stemming from a 2015 assault incident.

The trial, in its fourth day, included testimony that appeared to undermine Sanders' defense. A witness, Ruda Nash James, initially stated she saw Darjean choking Sanders, aligning with Sanders' account. However, a recorded phone call from the day of the incident, played during the trial, featured James contradicting her own testimony, admitting she did not see the alleged choking.

Darjean's attorneys presented contemporaneous police and medical reports that supported his version of events, detailing serious bodily injury. Sanders' attorney, however, pointed out discrepancies, noting the reports did not explicitly mention punches, only an elbow strike. Sanders himself testified that he did not strike Darjean, a claim that contradicts other witnesses and a 2022 Texas court finding.

Darjean's health has been a significant issue throughout the proceedings. He testified about ongoing pain and prior spinal injuries, with his condition worsening after the 2015 incident, leading to emergency surgery. Darjean is arguing that the judgment against Sanders should not be discharged due to it being a willful and malicious injury.

Judge Michael Romero deemed Deion Sanders' testimony unnecessary and released him from appearing on the final day of the trial.