Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has landed in legal trouble after being cited for speeding at 101 mph in a 60 mph zone. The incident occurred in Strongsville, Ohio, and was reported by Cleveland.com following police records. The records show that Sanders was pulled over for driving at excessive speeds, which triggered a citation. This is not the first time Sanders has been cited for traffic violations—police records also reveal that he previously received another citation from Ohio State Highway Patrol in Medina, according to the outlet.
As a result of his legal troubles, Sanders failed to appear at a required court appearance on June 13, further escalating questions about his maturity and accountability. While the Browns’ spokesperson stated that Sanders is handling his tickets, the incidents have intensified scrutiny over his behavior, especially in the wake of his draft performance. The 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft was projected to be a first-round selection, but he fell to the fifth round after the New York Giants traded up to select quarterback Jaxson Dart. However, three other quarterbacks were drafted before Sanders, including Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel, who also went to the Browns.
The legal actions raise more questions about Sanders’ character, which have been a topic of discussion since his draft. During the draft process, NFL media released a summary of top prospects, with an anonymous assistant coach stating that Sanders was ‘the worst formal interview I’ve ever been in in my life. He’s so entitled. He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates.’ Another anonymous executive echoed these concerns, adding that Sanders ‘didn’t go great in our interview. He wants to dictate what he’s going to do and what’s best for him. He makes you feel small.’
Further, weeks after the Browns drafted Sanders, a CBS analyst highlighted his unavailability during a scheduled meeting with reporters. Before a game against Colorado State, Sanders missed an interview with CBS, according to Ross Tucker. While he had initially planned to speak with CBS on a Wednesday, the meeting was postponed due to an injury, but Sanders never appeared for the rescheduled session. Tucker’s concerns overSanders’ actions were echoed by many, suggesting that his behavior during the college and draft process might be a red flag for his potential in the NFL.
These events have added to the growing skepticism about Sanders’ readiness for the NFL, especially as he continues to compete with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and other young talent like Kenny Pickett for the starting role. Despite his family connection with Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, the recent legal issues and unavailability during important events have cast doubt on how prepared he is for the challenges of the NFL, leaving fans and critics to wonder whether he is on the right track or if further scrutiny is needed as he faces this new chapter in his career.