Former Indiana basketball coach and current OutKick host Dan Dakich has spoken out in support of Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders' decision to bar a columnist from asking questions at press conferences. Dakich argues that Sanders' actions are justified in response to the columnist's personal attacks on him and the program.
Former Indiana basketball coach Dan Dakich has come to the defense of Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders, who has been under fire for his decision to ban a columnist from asking questions at press conferences.
Dan Dakich Defends Deion Sanders Against Press Conference Ban Controversy
Sanders and the program have prohibited Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler from asking questions, citing Keeler's past coverage of the program as the reason. However, Keeler is still permitted to attend football-related activities.
Dakich, who now hosts the "Don't @ Me" show on OutKick, spoke about the controversy on Wednesday, saying that those who have been in sports understand exactly what Sanders is doing.
Dan Dakich Defends Deion Sanders Against Press Conference Ban Controversy
"Criticize me all you want," Dakich said. "Tell me we made a bad call on 3rd and 4. Whatever. But don't get personal, continually, continually, continually. Don't call me names."
Dakich also responded to the criticism Sanders received from panelists on ESPN's "Around the Horn."
Dan Dakich Defends Deion Sanders Against Press Conference Ban Controversy
"The only one who could stop the man from doing his job is The Denver Post or the man himself," Dakich said. "And the man himself stopped himself from getting to ask Deion Sanders questions by simply taking things to a level of personal that reporters always b-----, whine and moan about, but then they do it."
Dakich continued, "So, somebody is finally standing up to the fat middle-aged White reporter. Finally, someone is standing up and holding the fat, middle-aged White reporter accountable, and there's nobody in the world that dislikes it less to be held accountable than the fat, middle-aged, White, self-important columnist at a newspaper. See Gregg Doyel."
Dan Dakich Defends Deion Sanders Against Press Conference Ban Controversy
Dakich's defense of Sanders has sparked a debate on social media, with some supporting Sanders' decision and others criticizing it as an infringement on freedom of the press.
However, Dakich maintains that Sanders has the right to protect himself and his program from personal attacks.
"I'm not saying that Deion Sanders is perfect," Dakich said. "I'm not saying that he's always right. But I am saying that he has the right to stand up for himself and his program."
Dakich also pointed out that Keeler is still permitted to attend football-related activities, including practices and games.
"He's not being banned from the program," Dakich said. "He's just not being allowed to ask questions at press conferences. That's a big difference."
Dakich's monologue on the controversy has been widely shared and discussed on social media, with many people agreeing with his assessment of the situation.
It remains to be seen whether Sanders' decision will have any long-term consequences for him or the Colorado Buffaloes football program. However, Dakich's defense of Sanders shows that there is at least some support for his actions.
