Last week, the Colorado football program made headlines when it announced that Denver Post reporter Sean Keeler would no longer be permitted to ask questions at press events. The decision came after the program cited several allegedly derogatory nicknames Keeler used to refer to head coach Deion Sanders. The move was backed by a clause in Sanders’s contract, allowing such an arrangement between Sanders, the university, and the media.
The situation quickly caught the attention of ESPN’s college football pundit, Paul Finebaum, who didn’t mince words in his response. On Monday, Finebaum publicly condemned the decision, calling it a “disgrace.” His criticism sparked a response from Sanders, who briefly addressed the issue in a newly-released podcast episode with Robert Griffin III.
In the podcast, Sanders addressed Finebaum’s remarks after co-host Grete Griffin brought up the topic. “He talking ’bout us. How can we be irrelevant and you talking about me? Every time I turn around, somebody’s sending me a quote that you talkin’ ’bout me,” Sanders said, addressing Finebaum directly.
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Sanders went on to share his perspective on Finebaum’s criticism, suggesting that the ESPN analyst was simply trying to maintain his relevance in an ever-evolving sports media landscape. “I know what he’s doing, and I’m proud of him that he’s smart enough to understand that this generation and this thought process and the way we communicate on sports is different, and he’s a dying breed,” Sanders remarked. “So what does he have to do to stay and keep up with this change? ‘Oh, I got to go find that big bad wolf and talk about it, so now I keep my relevancy.’ And I’m saying, ‘Cool,’ but I’m not gon’ help you. I’m not going to add to you, I’m not even gonna respond. Because that’s what you want. Yeah, you just want me to respond. I don’t do that. I’m not gon’ help you come up.”
However, Finebaum wasn’t content to let Sanders have the last word. The seasoned commentator fired back, making it clear that he stands by his original assessment of the situation.
The tension between Sanders and Finebaum has only added to the already heightened anticipation surrounding the Colorado Buffaloes as they prepare to kick off their season. With the season opener against North Dakota State just around the corner, the controversy has added an extra layer of intrigue to a team already under the spotlight.
As the Buffaloes take the field on Thursday night, the fireworks have already begun off the field, setting the stage for what promises to be a season full of drama, both on and off the gridiron.
