Shilo Sanders has pushed back against criticism of his Tesla Cybertruck, arguing that people are singling him out for driving the vehicle while continuing to support other companies that have also faced criticism. The former NFL player and content creator addressed the issue during a livestream, as questions about his finances and ongoing bankruptcy proceedings continue to draw attention.
“I ain’t going to name no names, but I know for sure places that you cannot resist shopping at, for sure has said some crazy things,” Sanders said. “So y’all just want to point the finger at me cause’ I got a Tesla, and y’all probably use a lot of things every single day that people say things that’s not right and y’all still support it. But you want to talk about me driving a Tesla for the convenience and safety of my life.”
The Cybertruck has become a focus of public scrutiny because of its cost and Sanders’ financial circumstances. A Cyberbeast can cost between roughly $100,000 and $120,000, and the truck is not the only expensive vehicle associated with Sanders. Mercedes-Benz previously accused him of defaulting on monthly payments for a car he purchased for $135,000.
Sanders has owned his black-and-gold CyberBeast for some time. The vehicle attracted attention in 2024, when it appeared in an Instagram story shared by Lauren Askevold, a University of Colorado assistant athletic trainer. At the time, Sanders was still in college. The appearance of the truck drew attention in connection with his bankruptcy case, which he filed in 2023.
The Cybertruck also appeared in a recent video Sanders posted to his YouTube channel. In the video, he said the vehicle had received an upgrade that supposedly makes cars fly, and he appeared to demonstrate it. It is unclear whether that portion of the video was generated or altered using artificial intelligence.
## The Lawsuit Behind Sanders’ Bankruptcy Case
The attention surrounding Sanders’ vehicle comes as a legal dispute stemming from an incident at his high school remains unresolved. John Darjean, a security guard at the school, alleged that Sanders assaulted him after Darjean tried to take the then-15-year-old’s phone. Darjean said the injuries he sustained caused permanent spinal problems, nerve damage and other health issues.
Sanders received an $11.89 million default judgment in 2022 after failing to appear in court. He filed for bankruptcy in 2023 while seeking to address the debt, and those proceedings are ongoing.
The case went to trial this year. Sanders maintained that Darjean assaulted him, rather than the other way around. The outcome could determine whether Sanders is responsible for paying the judgment. If the court finds that his actions were willful and malicious, he may be required to pay the amount owed. A ruling is not expected until next year.
## Luxury Apartment Search Raises More Questions
While the case remains pending, Sanders has also been looking at housing options. He has toured luxury properties in Florida and has considered moving to New York. Finding a home within his budget may be a challenge, however.
One apartment he visited reportedly made a strong impression on him, but he headed toward the elevator after learning the rent was a five-digit monthly amount. New York could present another obstacle, given the city’s high housing costs.
Sanders’ apartment search and Cybertruck have both drawn attention because of the contrast between luxury purchases and the financial issues connected to his bankruptcy filing. His livestream response suggests he believes critics are applying a double standard by focusing on his Tesla while overlooking other companies and products they use.
For now, the legal proceedings remain unresolved, and no ruling is expected until next year. Sanders’ financial situation and the outcome of the case may shape what he can afford going forward. In the meantime, his public comments and displays of expensive possessions are likely to remain part of the conversation surrounding his bankruptcy case.
