Cleveland, Ohio – Shedeur Sanders, a former quarterback from Colorado, was expected to be a top prospect in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Many experts anticipated that he would be chosen in the first round. However, much to everyone’s surprise, he fell all the way to the fifth round, with the Cleveland Browns selecting him as the No. 144 overall pick.
Sanders’ unexpected drop in the draft sparked a strong reaction from fans, including one individual who filed a lawsuit against the NFL, claiming damages of $100 million. This fan, identified only as “John Doe,” alleges that the actions and statements made by the NFL regarding Sanders negatively impacted his emotional well-being.
According to court documents, this dedicated Buffaloes fan followed Sanders closely over the past two college football seasons. The lawsuit claims that various reports and “leaked statements” about Sanders, indicating that he “tanked interviews,” “wasn’t prepared,” and “was too cocky” during the pre-draft process helped create a damaging narrative about him. The fan argues that these “slanderous statements” led to emotional distress and trauma.
The suit includes several serious allegations against the NFL, such as violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Civil Rights Act, and claims of Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress and Consumer Protection Law violations. The plaintiff feels frustrated and disappointed by what he sees as unfair treatment of Sanders, which he believes has resulted in psychological harm.
While NFL insiders suggest that Sanders’ slipping in the draft reflects his demeanor during the pre-draft process, it is clear that this fan feels passionately that something deeper is at play. The emotions expressed by this individual are ones that many sports fans can relate to, especially when their favorite players face unjust obstacles.
