Colorado head coach Deion Sanders’ decision to ban The Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler from asking questions to members of his football program has sparked significant controversy. Critics have accused Sanders of being overly sensitive or even bullying the press. However, ESPN analyst and former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard sees the situation from a different angle.
During a recent appearance on Get Up, Howard offered his perspective on the matter, framing it within the broader context of mental health—a topic that has become increasingly important in sports and society. Howard argued that Sanders’ actions might be motivated by a desire to protect not only his own mental well-being but also that of his players.
“When I first heard the story, the first thing that popped into my head was how we talk about protecting your mental health,” Howard said, as reported by On3 Sports. “I don’t know if people realize that Deion Sanders is a human being who has spoken openly about trying to commit suicide before. So, when you have a person who is an advocate for mental health, who not only wants to protect his mental health but the number one job of a coach is to protect the mental health of his players too, because you always want to treat all of your players like they’re your sons.”
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Howard’s comments highlight a side of the story that has been less discussed—the personal toll that harsh criticism and negative press can take on individuals, especially those in high-pressure roles like Sanders. Sanders, who has been candid about his past struggles with mental health, may be acting from a place of caution, prioritizing the emotional and psychological safety of his team.
Keeler’s critiques of Sanders have been notably harsh, with the University of Colorado accusing the columnist of engaging in “a series of sustained, personal attacks on the football program and specifically Coach Prime.” Howard pointed out that some of the language used by Keeler, such as referring to Sanders as a “false prophet,” could be seen as crossing the line from professional criticism into personal territory.
“So, with that being said, if Deion Sanders believes that this guy who is using words like ‘false prophet’ and things of that nature, which they seem kind of personal to me, and they decide to not answer questions from him anymore—I don’t have an issue with it because I think he has to do what he believes [is] best suited for his own mental health and the mental health of his players,” Howard explained.
While Sanders’ decision has been divisive, Howard’s defense adds a layer of complexity to the debate. It raises important questions about the responsibilities of coaches to protect their players and themselves from potentially harmful media scrutiny. At the same time, it touches on the fine line between maintaining a positive environment and potentially stifling freedom of the press.
Critics of Sanders argue that, while he has the right to exclude certain journalists from his press conferences, doing so could set a troubling precedent. Journalism and sports often thrive on a dynamic, albeit sometimes contentious, relationship between the media and those they cover. Excluding critical voices might shield individuals from immediate discomfort but could also erode accountability over time.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether Colorado or Sanders will reconsider the decision.
For now, the incident underscores the ongoing conversation about mental health in sports and the responsibilities that come with leadership roles in high-profile, high-pressure environments.
