NFL reporter Ed Werder recounts a heated exchange with former player and current Colorado head coach Deion Sanders after a controversial decision to run offensive plays late in a lopsided game. Sanders' actions ignited debate over the ethics of running up the score and potentially endangering players.
Longtime NFL reporter Ed Werder ignited a heated debate on OutKick's "Don't @ Me" podcast with Dan Dakich, recounting a tense exchange with former player and current Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. The incident stemmed from Sanders' decision to run several offensive plays late in the fourth quarter of a lopsided 28-9 victory over Colorado State University.
Deion Sanders' Risky End Game Tactics Spark Controversy
Sanders's decision to pursue another touchdown instead of kneeling the game out sparked controversy. Critics argued that it put his players at unnecessary risk, especially quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who suffered a fractured back at the end of last season after being sacked 52 times.
In the post-game press conference, Sanders defended his actions, stating, "The game is about scoring, ain't it? I don't know protocol. You should called me and told me when to pull off."
Deion Sanders' Risky End Game Tactics Spark Controversy
However, Werder pointed out that the pursuit of another score was particularly risky given that Colorado State players had made disparaging remarks about Sanders' program in the lead-up to the game. Sanders himself alleged that one of the Rams players elbowed a Buffaloes coach during warmups.
The controversy surrounding Sanders' end game tactics has reignited the debate over the ethics of running up the score. Some coaches, like Rutgers' Greg Schiano, argue that it is important to give all players an opportunity to play, even in lopsided moments.
Deion Sanders' Risky End Game Tactics Spark Controversy
However, others believe that such actions are disrespectful and potentially dangerous. In the case of Colorado, the pursuit of another score could have resulted in serious injuries, especially considering Shedeur Sanders' previous injury history.
The incident also raised questions about the role of sportsmanship in competitive sports. While winning is paramount, there is a fine line between healthy competition and unsportsmanlike conduct. Sanders' decision to run up the score may have satisfied his desire for dominance, but it also raised ethical concerns and potentially jeopardized the health of his players.
Deion Sanders' Risky End Game Tactics Spark Controversy
As a newcomer to the Big 12 conference, Colorado will face its first conference matchup against Baylor next week. It remains to be seen if Sanders will continue to employ the same end game tactics, or if he will take a more cautious approach in the future.
* Colorado is not the first team to try and run up the score in the final moments against an opponent this year.
* Rutgers' head coach Greg Schiano had his team run an offensive play instead of taking a knee with a 38-7 lead against Howard on Aug. 30.
* Schiano echoed a similar sentiment to Sanders after that game, stating that he wanted to give his players an opportunity to play, even in meaningless moments of the game.
