Deion Sanders Rejects Irrelevance Tag, Defends Ban on Denver Post Columnist

Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, dismissed ESPN pundit Paul Finebaum's characterization of the program as irrelevant, saying that constant media attention proves otherwise. He also defended his decision to ban Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler, citing Keeler's antagonistic behavior.

Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has hit back at ESPN pundit Paul Finebaum's recent criticism, calling the program's supposed irrelevance into question. Sanders, who is known for his outspokenness, defended his team's position in the media spotlight and expressed indifference towards Finebaum's comments.

"But he's talking about us. How could we be irrelevant and you talking about me? Like every time I turn around somebody sending me a quote that you talking about me," Sanders said in response to Finebaum's remarks.

Deion Sanders Rejects Irrelevance Tag, Defends Ban on Denver Post Columnist

Finebaum, a veteran college football analyst, had labeled the Colorado program as irrelevant during an episode of "Outta Pocket with RGIII." Sanders' wife, Grete Griffin, suggested that Finebaum's attention indicated a level of interest in the team.

"The thing about a fan, you got to understand a fan only blows when you hot," Sanders said. "A fan only blows when you hot, so we must be hot. I know what he's doing, and I'm proud of him that he is smart enough to understand that this generation, and the thought process and the way we communicate in sports is different, and he's a dying breed."

Deion Sanders Rejects Irrelevance Tag, Defends Ban on Denver Post Columnist

Sanders maintained that he would not engage with Finebaum's attempts to generate controversy, recognizing his desire for attention.

"So, what does he have to do to stay and keep up with this change, 'Oh I got to find that big bad wolf and talk about him, so now I keep my relevancy.' And I'm cool, but I'm not going to help you, I'm not going to add to you, I'm not going to respond because that's what you want. Yeah, you just want me to respond, I don't do that. I'm not going to help you come up," Sanders explained.

Deion Sanders Rejects Irrelevance Tag, Defends Ban on Denver Post Columnist

Finebaum, appearing on ESPN's "First Take," responded to Sanders' comments by acknowledging the divide in their perspectives on the role of the media.

"(Sanders' comments) didn't really mean much to me because it was a fairly irrelevant reaction. He did say something that I agree with. He called me a 'dying breed' in the profession, which I'm proud of. Because I really do believe that the media should be treated with respect and not have selective persecution like he is using out there," Finebaum said.

Sanders referred to his decision to ban Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler from interacting with the team, citing Keeler's contentious approach. The ban was imposed after a tense exchange at Colorado's media day, where Sanders questioned Keeler's motives.

"You don't like us, man. Why do you do this to yourself?" Sanders asked Keeler. "No, I'm serious. Why do you do this? Like you know you don't. Like, why do you do this?"

Sanders, who guided the Buffaloes to a 3-0 start in his debut season before facing challenges, is poised to enter his second campaign with the program. He will lead Colorado in their season opener on Thursday, August 29th, against the North Dakota State Bison.

In conclusion, Deion Sanders firmly rejected the notion of his program's irrelevance, highlighting the attention it has garnered from media outlets. He defended his ban on Sean Keeler, emphasizing the need for respectful and professional interactions in the media landscape. With the upcoming season on the horizon, Sanders will strive to continue building upon Colorado's progress and silence critics who question the program's trajectory.