Deion Sanders Blasts Media for Envious Attacks on Rich College Football Players

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has accused certain reporters of envy and jealousy towards college football players who are making more money than them, saying that the media has become more aggressive in attacking players since they have been allowed to profit from their names, images, and likenesses (NIL).

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has never been one to hold back from expressing his opinions, and on Tuesday, he took aim at certain reporters who he said were "envious and jealous" of the new landscape of college football that has allowed players to make "more money than y’all."

During a press conference ahead of Colorado's first Big 12 matchup in 14 years, Sanders was asked about his relationship with two-way star Travis Hunter – specifically what "life lessons" Coach Prime has shared with him during their fishing trips together.

Deion Sanders Blasts Media for Envious Attacks on Rich College Football Players

Sanders began his answer by saying they talk about "everything," adding that he has a close relationship with all his players. However, he used the question to pivot in a different direction.

"When I say I genuinely love these kids, I genuinely really do. It’s not about what they can do for me on the football field. It’s about what I can help them with in life. They’re football players. Some of these guys are definitely going pro. I just want to equip them with the weapons to win life because football has changed," he began.

Deion Sanders Blasts Media for Envious Attacks on Rich College Football Players

"The landscape has changed in football. Once upon a time, you guys never attacked college players. Now they’re making more money than y’all. And some of y’all are envious and jealous about that, so you’re on the attack. It was hands-off for a college player because they were an amateur. You remember that guys? Now it’s hands-on, go at them. Any kind of way you want. ‘They are making more money than me, and I’m mad about it. I’m upset about it.’"

Sanders continued, adding that college football players are still young and susceptible to the "slander."

Deion Sanders Blasts Media for Envious Attacks on Rich College Football Players

"When you attack ’em, attack ’em, attack ’em, these guys are sensitive. They’ve never been attacked… They haven’t gone through what a grown man – what I’ve been going through with y’all for years – they haven’t done that. So it is what it is."

"I know you’re going to do your job and what you must do. But your job does not say ‘attack.’ If they didn’t play well, leave it at that. But the personal stuff, leave it to be personal, because if we start flipping the script on y’all, you wouldn’t like it."

Sanders ended his comments by calling Hunter a "great kid."

Sanders' comments come at a time of increased scrutiny of college athletes and the NIL era. Some critics have argued that the new rules have led to increased pressure on players and have made it more difficult for them to focus on their education. Others have defended the changes, saying that they give players more control over their own careers and allow them to benefit from their hard work.

It remains to be seen whether Sanders' comments will have any impact on the way that the media covers college football players. However, they do highlight the growing tension between some coaches and reporters in the NIL era.