Former Colorado Buffaloes safety Xavier Smith alleges that Deion Sanders' handling of players after taking over as head coach lacked compassion and damaged their confidence.
Former Colorado Buffaloes safety Xavier Smith has expressed concerns over Deion Sanders' approach in dealing with players upon his arrival as head coach, accusing him of instilling a culture of fear and intimidation.
Smith, who was a redshirt freshman at the time, alleges that Sanders' interactions with players were harsh and unfeeling, particularly during individual meetings. In an interview with The Athletic, Smith described being told by Sanders to "probably hit the portal" and that he shouldn't "waste a year thinking I could earn a spot."
"He was destroying guys' confidence and belief in themselves," Smith said. "The way he did it, it could've been done with a little more compassion."
Smith's experience echoed the sentiments of other players who left the program after Sanders took over. Safety Oakie Salave'a, who was also present in the meeting with Smith, has since transferred to Fresno State.
Sanders, known for his blunt and outspoken nature, has been criticized for his handling of the team's roster turnover. After the team's first spring game, he announced that he would be "moving on from some of the team members" and "reloading" with new recruits.
Smith contends that Sanders' focus on recruiting high-profile players over retaining existing ones created a sense of unease and instability within the team. "We recruited some guys that can light up the scoreboard and prevent touchdowns from occurring," Sanders said on National Signing Day. "We're serious about that."
Despite Smith's criticisms, Sanders has been credited with bringing renewed energy and excitement to the Colorado program. However, his unconventional methods and aggressive recruitment strategies have raised questions about his leadership style and the long-term health of the team.
Smith, who has since transferred to UTEP, expressed his belief that Sanders could have achieved his goals while also fostering a more positive and supportive atmosphere for players. He emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.
"I'm not trying to hate on Coach Prime," Smith said. "I'm just trying to shed light on what's really going on."
Sanders' tenure at Colorado has been marked by both controversy and promising signs of progress. While his methods may be unconventional, his ability to attract top recruits and galvanize the fan base cannot be denied. However, the concerns raised by former players like Xavier Smith underscore the need for a delicate balance between discipline and empathy in building a successful football program.
