Wednesday, December 23, 1998

Sanders sued in cart accident

DALLAS (AP) -- Deion Sanders has been sued by a man who contends he was permanently injured in July when struck by a cart driven by the 8-year-old daughter of the Dallas Cowboys star.

The Dallas Morning News reported today that the lawsuit was filed Monday in Wichita Falls by Gordon McFadden of Quinlan. He seeks unspecified damages from Sanders, his daughter, Diondra, and the girl's aunt, Annette Moss.

McFadden's lawyers, Ben Martin and Harold White, said the accident happened during the Cowboys' training camp. McFadden said he was in Wichita Falls to help repair the air conditioning on a recreational vehicle owned by Sanders.

McFadden claims that while he was gathering tools at his trailer, a battery-powered Mercedes-Benz cart driven by Diondra Sanders pinned him between the cart and trailer.

Police say the girl was wearing roller blades at the time and Moss was a passenger in the golf-style cart.

Martin said McFadden broke his right leg and ankle, underwent several operations and incurred medical expenses of between $50,000 and $100,000.

Because he has been unable to work, he "essentially" has lost his business of repairing and refurbishing recreational vehicles, Martin said.

Sanders' lawyer, Bill Hayner, said Sanders was on the practice field when the accident happened. The lawyer added that a sponsor gave the cart to the player.