The backlash continues to be swift against Deion Sanders and Colorado for the decision to ban Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler from asking Sanders any questions in press conferences.
ESPN host Paul Finebaum responded to the decision during “Get Up” on Monday morning, saying, “Coach Prime is showing he is not ready for primetime. I find this whole thing disgraceful. Deion may want to talk about love and joy, and that is the cornerstone of what he seems to be spewing out, but treating reporters like this seems like we’re in some autocratic country. This is not America… don’t forget, he did this at Jackson State. This is a trait of Deion Sanders. He wants to have it his way. I find him to be a bully and a hypocrite... I am mortified by his actions.”
Colorado defended the decision to ban Keeler, saying in a statement last week to ESPN, “After a series of sustained, personal attacks on the football program and specifically Coach Prime, the CU Athletic Department, in conjunction with the football program, have decided not to take questions from Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler at football-related events. Keeler is still permitted to attend football-related activities as a credentialed member of the media, and other reporters from the Denver Post are welcome to ask questions of football program personnel made available to the media, including coaches, players, and staff.”
A representative from the Colorado athletic department told media members that the Buffaloes took issue with Keeler referencing Sanders as “Deposition Deion,” the “Bruce Lee of B.S.” and a “false prophet,” as well as his use of phrases like “Planet Prime,” “the Deion Kool-Aid” and “circus.”
Deion Sanders started off hot in 2023, leading Colorado to win their first three games against TCU, Nebraska, and Colorado State. Shortly after, however, they underwent a drastic nosedive. Sanders’ squad dropped seven of its last eight games, finishing with an overall record of 4-8 in the first year of the Coach Prime era.
Now, the Buffaloes start their journey back in the Big 12, which they left in 2011 to join the Pac-12. Colorado will begin as members of the Big 12 this week when they open the season on Thursday night against North Dakota State. Kick off is set for 7:00 p.m. CST.
