<!–>
Shedeur Sanders‘ slide in the 2025 NFL Draft was quite surprising and shocking to many, as he fell to the fifth round before the Cleveland Browns took him with the 144th overall pick. It was also allegedly hurtful to someone other than Sanders.
An anonymous fan has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the NFL in punitive damages for “the harm caused to the Plaintiff and the impact of the NFL’s actions on his emotional well being,” court documents obtained by MSNBC read.
The complaint was filed by someone using the pseudonym “John Doe” in Georgia federal court. In the filing, the plaintiff claimed that he’s a Colorado fan and felt that reports suggesting that Sanders “tanked interviews,” “wasn’t prepared,” and “was too cocky” were unfair to the former Colorado quarterback.
“These slanderous statements reflect biases that influenced the NFL’s decision-making process, causing emotional distress and trauma to the Plaintiff as a fan and consumer,” a line from the court document read.
ADVERTISEMENT
–>
“John Doe” claimed that the NFL violated the Sherman Antitrust Act, alleging that there was “collusion among NFL teams to influence the drafting process and the subsequent low selection of Shedeur Sanders.” He also claimed that the NFL violated the Civil Rights Act, alleging that “decisions made regarding Sanders may have been influenced by racial discrimination, violating his rights as a player.”
The plaintiff’s other claims for relief include Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress and Trauma, due to “dissemination of slanderous statements have caused severe emotional distress and trauma,” and Violations of Consumer Protection Laws, alleging that the NFL “may have engaged in unfair practices by misrepresenting the nature of the drafting process and the qualifications of players.”
In addition to the $100 million, the lawsuit is seeking “a formal acknowledgment from the NFL regarding the emotional distress caused by its actions and statement,” a retraction of “slanderous statements” made about Sanders, an apology for “any harm caused” to Sanders’ reputation and an “implementation of fairer practices in the drafting process to ensure that talented players are recognized and given opportunities based on merit.”
In the days leading up to the NFL Draft, the vast majority of mock drafts projected that Sanders would be a first-round pick, with some predicting that he could be picked as high as No. 3 overall. Most draft evaluators, at least in the media, had Sanders rated as the second-best quarterback in the draft class as well.
Joel Klatt dives into why Shedeur Sanders dropped to the 5th round
However, Sanders didn’t improve his stock when he met with teams during the pre-draft process. Multiple league sources expressed to FOX Sports’ Henry McKenna that Sanders “didn’t come out of his pre-draft interviews with impressive results.”
“He’s a good person, but people didn’t like the personality,” a league source told FOX Sports on Sanders. “He’s the biggest celebrity since Johnny Manziel to enter the draft.”
Additionally, a team with a top-seven draft pick asked Sanders to study its playbook for an install ahead of an interview and instead, he asked the team how they planned to support him, according to McKenna.
Ultimately, the Browns wound up taking Sanders two rounds after selecting Dillon Gabriel, making him the sixth quarterback selected in the 2025 draft. He’ll join a quarterback room that includes veterans Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Deshaun Watson, although Watson is expected to miss the entire 2025 season after re-injuring his Achilles. The Browns have expressed that Sanders will get the opportunity to compete for the starting job as he’ll join the team for rookie minicamp starting Friday.
As Sanders looks to battle for the Browns’ starting job, the plaintiff might get an answer on his lawsuit quickly. “John Doe” filed the lawsuit “In Forma Pauperis” because he’s unable to pay the filing fees associated with the complaint. In this scenario, the courts will often determine if the lawsuit is “frivolous,” with that determination possibly coming soon and could lead to a dismissal, according to MSNBC.
Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.
<!–>
recommended
Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
–>
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Casagrande aponta os três concorrentes de Raphinha na Bola de Ouro: “Podem desequilibrar”
Raphinha, atacante do Barcelona (Divulgação/X @FCBarcelona) Casagrande repercutiu a classificação do Paris Saint-Germain para a decisão da Uefa Champions League. O time francês venceu mais uma vez o Arsenal pela partida de volta das semifinais, ao derrotar a equipe britânica por 2 a 1 na França nesta quarta-feira (7). O PSG marcará presença pela segunda vez na decisão europeia, depois de ser derrotado pelo Bayern de Munique na temporada 2019-20. O adversário será a Inter de Milão, que eliminou no Barcelona numa eletrizante semifinal na terça (6). PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Para Casagrande, Raphinha corre risco de ficar para trás Para o comentarista, a eliminação do time catalão poderá pesar contra Raphinha na disputa pela Bola de Ouro. Embora veja o camisa 11 da seleção brasileira como um dos favoritos, Casão acredita que a final da Champions será decisiva para apontar o […]
Zubeldía, do SPFC, indica time do Brasil forte mentalmente: “Sendo firme”
Zubeldía, técnico do SPFC (foto: Júlio Cesar Silva/Agência Paulistão) O São Paulo (SPFC) continua invicto após cair na semifinal do Campeonato Paulista. Nesta terça (6), o Tricolor venceu o Alianza Lima por 2 a 0 e chegou a 12 jogos de invencibilidade. Com o resultado, a equipe treinada por Luis Zubeldía encaminhou a classificação para as fases eliminatórias da Copa Libertadores. Um empate nos próximos dois jogos é suficiente. “Isso mostra que a mentalidade da equipe está sendo firme. Sabemos aonde queremos ir. Isso é para todos. Estamos alinhados pelos objetivos”, iniciou. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE André Silva foi o protagonista do confronto. O atacante do SPFC inaugurou o marcador aos 35 minutos do primeiro tempo e sacramentou a vitória aos 44 da etapa final. “Acho que o que está acontecendo com o André e com muitos jogadores também é que estão […]
Manchester United vs Athletic live updates: Champions League predictions, team news and latest score
Hello and welcome to today's live coverage of a tasty clash between Manchester United and Athletic Club.Ruben Amorim's side are firmly in the driving seat with a 3-0 advantage after the first leg in Bilbao, thanks to goals from Casemiro and a Bruno Fernandes brace.Can Athletic pull off one of the great Europa League comebacks at Old Trafford tonight, or have they left themselves with too much to do?The prize of a shot at European glory back in Bilbao for the final awaits the winner tonight. Stay tuned for all the predictions, team news, analysis, quotes, stats, and more as we build up to kick-off.
Ross Chastain on his misunderstood Talladega move, tipping culture and more: 12 Questions
Each week, The Athletic asks the same 12 questions to a different race car driver. Up next: Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing, who finished second last week at Texas Motor Speedway and is currently 11th in the NASCAR Cup Series point standings. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity, but the full version is available on the 12 Questions podcast.1. What was one of the first autographs you got as a kid, and what do you remember about that moment?The first one would be the doctor on my birth certificate, right? (Laughs.) Probably Randy Fox, the late model driver at Punta Gorda Speedway. He used to throw out frisbees to all the fans and the kids. I remember getting stuff from him, and then I got to race against him when I got older.2. What is the most […]
Milton Neves reforça indicação de técnico para seleção brasileira
Ednaldo Rodrigues é o principal responsável pela negociação com novo técnico (CBF - Divulgação) Milton Neves está convencido de que Abel Ferreira, do Palmeiras, seria a melhor opção para o comando da seleção brasileira, em meio à preparação para a Copa do Mundo. Em texto publicado nesta quarta (07), ele voltou a falar sobre o assunto durante repercussão de triunfo do alviverde na Libertadores. Na concepção do comentarista, o Palmeiras é o principal favorito ao título do torneio continental, ao menos que a CBF tire o comandante português da equipe paulista para direcioná-lo ao escrete canarinho, possibilidade esta que, apesar de especulada, ele classifica como improvável de se concretizar. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE “Mas agora, sem brincadeiras, alguém tem coragem de dizer que o Palmeiras não é favorito ao título da Libertadores? Eu que não sou! Isso, é claro, se a CBF […]
Überraschende Entscheidung – Top-Klub muss sich neuen Trainer suchen
Nun nimmt er zum zweiten Mal Abschied.Anders Eggert verlässt die SG Flensburg-Handewitt zum Saisonende. Der Co-Trainer von Ales Pajovic wird sich einer neuen Herausforderung stellen und ein Amt als Chefcoach übernehmen. Den neuen Klub gab er allerdings noch nicht bekannt.Handball: Co-Trainer Anders Eggert verlässt Flensburg„Es tut doppelt weh, die SG ein zweites Mal zu verlassen, denn ich liebe es hier zu sein und es war für mich eine große Freude wieder ein Teil von ihr zu sein. Der Verein hat einen ganz besonderen Platz in meinem Herzen und ich fühle mich hier schon immer sehr wohl. Jedoch ist es jetzt für mich an der Zeit den nächsten Schritt zu gehen“, sagt der Däne.Foto: BILD<!-->]-->Eggert spielte seit 2006 für 11 Jahre für die Flensburger, gewann 2012 den Europapokal der Pokalsieger, 2014 die Champions League und 2015 den DHB-Pokal. Im Sommer kam […]
Related
Casagrande aponta os três concorrentes de Raphinha na Bola de Ouro: “Podem desequilibrar”
Raphinha, atacante do Barcelona (Divulgação/X @FCBarcelona) Casagrande repercutiu a classificação do Paris Saint-Germain para a decisão da Uefa Champions League. O time francês venceu mais uma vez o Arsenal pela partida de volta das semifinais, ao derrotar a equipe britânica por 2 a 1 na França nesta quarta-feira (7). O PSG marcará presença pela segunda vez na decisão europeia, depois de ser derrotado pelo Bayern de Munique na temporada 2019-20. O adversário será a Inter de Milão, que eliminou no Barcelona numa eletrizante semifinal na terça (6). PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Para Casagrande, Raphinha corre risco de ficar para trás Para o comentarista, a eliminação do time catalão poderá pesar contra Raphinha na disputa pela Bola de Ouro. Embora veja o camisa 11 da seleção brasileira como um dos favoritos, Casão acredita que a final da Champions será decisiva para apontar o […]
Zubeldía, do SPFC, indica time do Brasil forte mentalmente: “Sendo firme”
Zubeldía, técnico do SPFC (foto: Júlio Cesar Silva/Agência Paulistão) O São Paulo (SPFC) continua invicto após cair na semifinal do Campeonato Paulista. Nesta terça (6), o Tricolor venceu o Alianza Lima por 2 a 0 e chegou a 12 jogos de invencibilidade. Com o resultado, a equipe treinada por Luis Zubeldía encaminhou a classificação para as fases eliminatórias da Copa Libertadores. Um empate nos próximos dois jogos é suficiente. “Isso mostra que a mentalidade da equipe está sendo firme. Sabemos aonde queremos ir. Isso é para todos. Estamos alinhados pelos objetivos”, iniciou. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE André Silva foi o protagonista do confronto. O atacante do SPFC inaugurou o marcador aos 35 minutos do primeiro tempo e sacramentou a vitória aos 44 da etapa final. “Acho que o que está acontecendo com o André e com muitos jogadores também é que estão […]
Manchester United vs Athletic live updates: Champions League predictions, team news and latest score
Hello and welcome to today's live coverage of a tasty clash between Manchester United and Athletic Club.Ruben Amorim's side are firmly in the driving seat with a 3-0 advantage after the first leg in Bilbao, thanks to goals from Casemiro and a Bruno Fernandes brace.Can Athletic pull off one of the great Europa League comebacks at Old Trafford tonight, or have they left themselves with too much to do?The prize of a shot at European glory back in Bilbao for the final awaits the winner tonight. Stay tuned for all the predictions, team news, analysis, quotes, stats, and more as we build up to kick-off.
Ross Chastain on his misunderstood Talladega move, tipping culture and more: 12 Questions
Each week, The Athletic asks the same 12 questions to a different race car driver. Up next: Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing, who finished second last week at Texas Motor Speedway and is currently 11th in the NASCAR Cup Series point standings. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity, but the full version is available on the 12 Questions podcast.1. What was one of the first autographs you got as a kid, and what do you remember about that moment?The first one would be the doctor on my birth certificate, right? (Laughs.) Probably Randy Fox, the late model driver at Punta Gorda Speedway. He used to throw out frisbees to all the fans and the kids. I remember getting stuff from him, and then I got to race against him when I got older.2. What is the most […]
Milton Neves reforça indicação de técnico para seleção brasileira
Ednaldo Rodrigues é o principal responsável pela negociação com novo técnico (CBF - Divulgação) Milton Neves está convencido de que Abel Ferreira, do Palmeiras, seria a melhor opção para o comando da seleção brasileira, em meio à preparação para a Copa do Mundo. Em texto publicado nesta quarta (07), ele voltou a falar sobre o assunto durante repercussão de triunfo do alviverde na Libertadores. Na concepção do comentarista, o Palmeiras é o principal favorito ao título do torneio continental, ao menos que a CBF tire o comandante português da equipe paulista para direcioná-lo ao escrete canarinho, possibilidade esta que, apesar de especulada, ele classifica como improvável de se concretizar. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE “Mas agora, sem brincadeiras, alguém tem coragem de dizer que o Palmeiras não é favorito ao título da Libertadores? Eu que não sou! Isso, é claro, se a CBF […]
Überraschende Entscheidung – Top-Klub muss sich neuen Trainer suchen
Nun nimmt er zum zweiten Mal Abschied.Anders Eggert verlässt die SG Flensburg-Handewitt zum Saisonende. Der Co-Trainer von Ales Pajovic wird sich einer neuen Herausforderung stellen und ein Amt als Chefcoach übernehmen. Den neuen Klub gab er allerdings noch nicht bekannt.Handball: Co-Trainer Anders Eggert verlässt Flensburg„Es tut doppelt weh, die SG ein zweites Mal zu verlassen, denn ich liebe es hier zu sein und es war für mich eine große Freude wieder ein Teil von ihr zu sein. Der Verein hat einen ganz besonderen Platz in meinem Herzen und ich fühle mich hier schon immer sehr wohl. Jedoch ist es jetzt für mich an der Zeit den nächsten Schritt zu gehen“, sagt der Däne.Foto: BILD<!-->]-->Eggert spielte seit 2006 für 11 Jahre für die Flensburger, gewann 2012 den Europapokal der Pokalsieger, 2014 die Champions League und 2015 den DHB-Pokal. Im Sommer kam […]
Be the first to leave a comment