Nick Saban, Alabama Head Coach: “Deion Sanders is doing a great job at Colorado. He’s bringing a lot of energy and passion to the program, and I think we’ll see them take the next step in 2024.” Saban’s acknowledgment highlights Sanders’ influence and the respect he commands even among top-tier coaches On3
The University of Colorado has effectively restricted Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler from asking questions at football-related events due to his critical commentary on head football coach Deion Sanders. This decision, confirmed by the university on Friday, aims to limit Keeler’s participation in press interactions concerning the football program.
Deion Sanders & Colorado will no longer answer any questions from columnist Sean Keeler due to criticism
Back in July 2021, a reporter was barred from reporting on Jackson State at SWAC Media Day for writing a story about a players DV charge
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) August 23, 2024
According to a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports, the university explained that this move was made in response to what they described as “sustained, personal attacks on the football program and specifically Coach Prime.” While Keeler is still allowed to attend football events as a credentialed member of the media, he will not be permitted to pose questions. Other Denver Post reporters, however, can continue to ask questions to coaches, players, and staff during media availability. Keeler retains the ability to cover and ask questions about other University of Colorado athletic programs and their administrators.
The university has not clarified whether this directive originated directly from Sanders. However, a previous exchange between Keeler and Sanders hinted at tensions. During an August press conference, Keeler extended pleasantries to Sanders, who responded by refusing to take a question and stating, “You don’t like us, man. Why do you do this to yourself?” Keeler later wrote about this encounter, referring to Sanders as “Deposition Deion,” but acknowledged that Sanders had a right to respond to criticism.
Keeler’s history of sharp critiques dates back several months. In February, he criticized Sanders for his ambitious claims about the team’s potential, including a statement about aiming for the College Football Playoff in 2024. Keeler described Sanders as “a false prophet” and used colorful language to challenge the coach’s bold statements, calling him “the Bruce Lee of B.S.” and suggesting he would be better suited for a political career than coaching.
FULL INTERVIEW: Brandon Krisztal @BKDenverSports talks Colorado Football HC Deion Sanders BANNING Denver Post Columnist & Denver Broncos Rookie QB Bo Nix on @foxsports910! @SportsRadioRoc @QBManuch pic.twitter.com/cvGDDqdgyN
— Roc and Manuch w Jimmy B (@RocAndManuch) August 23, 2024
The Denver Post sought clarification from the university regarding specific instances of Keeler’s so-called “personal attacks.” A CU sports information staffer pointed to phrases like “false prophet,” “Deposition Deion,” and “the Deion Kool-Aid” as examples of Keeler’s criticisms that targeted Sanders and the football program.
The Denver Post highlighted that Sanders has a unique clause in his contract with the University of Colorado requiring him to engage only with “mutually agreed upon media,” a stipulation not found in the contracts of other university coaches. This is not the first time Sanders has restricted media access; when coaching at Jackson State, Sanders barred Jackson Clarion-Ledger reporter Rashad Milligan from covering the team after a story about a recruit’s legal troubles.
In response to the ban, Denver Post sports editor Matt Schubert took to social media to express his disagreement with the university’s decision, stating that while it is within the university’s rights to limit questions, the rationale provided is subjective and reflects a dislike for Keeler’s critiques rather than any breach of journalistic ethics.
The situation has parallels to another recent incident involving Sanders, who publicly refused to answer questions from a CBS reporter, stating, “CBS, I’m not doing nothing with CBS. Next question.” Though Sanders later reconciled with the CBS reporter, it remains unclear how long Keeler will remain sidelined from directly questioning the football coach.
Colorado bans columnist from asking Deion Sanders questions after ‘sustained, personal attacks’ https://t.co/BMlzzONcI8 pic.twitter.com/fLcgAlajX2
— New York Post (@nypost) August 24, 2024
As Sanders begins his second season with Colorado, opening against North Dakota State, it’s evident that the friction between him and certain media members will continue to be a topic of conversation. Last season, Sanders led the team to a 4-8 record, and as he moves forward, how he handles media relations might be as closely watched as his performance on the field.
Major Points:
- The University of Colorado has barred Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler from asking questions at football-related events due to his critical comments about head coach Deion Sanders and the football program.
- Keeler remains allowed to attend football events as a credentialed member of the media but cannot directly ask questions, although other Denver Post reporters can continue to engage with the football program’s personnel.
- The decision follows a tense exchange between Keeler and Sanders, where Sanders criticized Keeler for his negative coverage, suggesting a personal dislike for the football program.
- Keeler has previously written harsh critiques of Sanders, using terms like “false prophet” and “Deposition Deion,” and challenging Sanders’ bold statements about the team’s potential and his leadership style.
- Sanders has a history of restricting media access, including during his time at Jackson State, and has recently refused to answer questions from a CBS reporter, highlighting ongoing tensions with the media.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
