• A fan filed a $100 million lawsuit against the NFL over Shedeur Sanders' unexpected draft position.
• The lawsuit alleges emotional distress and claims of collusion and discrimination.
• The NFL has not yet commented on the lawsuit, which is gaining media attention.

A football fan identified as "John Doe" has filed a lawsuit against the NFL for $100 million, claiming he suffered "severe emotional distress and trauma" when quarterback Shedeur Sanders was unexpectedly drafted in the fifth round of the NFL draft. Sanders, who played at Colorado and led his team to notable victories, was expected to be a higher pick, with some experts predicting a first-round selection. Instead, he was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns, after they previously picked another quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, in the third round. This situation, which became a significant topic during draft weekend, may have been influenced by rumors regarding Sanders' interviews and character, according to the case, filed on May 1 in Georgia. The plaintiff alleges that these narratives harmed Sanders' reputation and influenced NFL decision-making, according to The Hill, Los Angeles Times, and ABC News.

The lawsuit claims that the NFL violated several laws, including the Sherman Antitrust Act, by allegedly colluding to diminish Sanders' draft stock. The plaintiff, Eric Jackson, argues that the league's actions and negative portrayals of Sanders during the drafting process reflect discriminatory practices potentially violating the Civil Rights Act. Additionally, the suit asserts that the NFL misrepresented the drafting process, breaching consumer protection laws. Jackson contends that this has not only harmed Sanders' career prospects but has also caused him personal emotional trauma as a fan, according to Los Angeles Times and ABC News.

Legal experts have expressed skepticism about the lawsuit's viability, especially regarding the fan's standing to sue on emotional trauma grounds. USC law professor Clare Pastore noted that it is challenging for a plaintiff to demonstrate legal harm due to a generalized grievance shared with many others. She suggested that the lawsuit might be swiftly dismissed, emphasizing that the claims tied to emotional distress and potential racial discrimination require substantial evidence, which could be lacking in Jackson's case. The NFL has not yet publicly responded to the filed lawsuit, which is drawing considerable media attention, according to The Hill, Los Angeles Times, and ABC News.