Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders dismisses ESPN pundit Paul Finebaum's criticism as irrelevant and a desperate attempt to stay relevant.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has vehemently rejected ESPN pundit Paul Finebaum's claims that the Colorado football program is irrelevant, firing back that Finebaum's incessant criticism is merely a ploy to maintain his diminishing relevancy.
During an interview on "Outta Pocket with RGIII," Sanders addressed Finebaum's recent remarks, saying, "He's talking about us. How could we be irrelevant and you talking about me? Like every time I turn around somebody sending me a quote that you talking about me."
Deion Sanders Slams Paul Finebaum: 'He's a Dying Breed, Talking Trash for Relevance'
Robert Griffin III's wife and co-host of the podcast, Grete Griffin, suggested that Finebaum's relentless focus on Sanders indicates his admiration for the coach. "The thing about a fan, you got to understand a fan only blows when you hot," she said.
Sanders concurred, stating, "A fan only blows when you hot, so we must be hot. I know what he's doing, and I'm proud of him that he is smart enough to understand that this generation, and the thought process and the way we communicate in sports is different, and he's a dying breed."
Deion Sanders Slams Paul Finebaum: 'He's a Dying Breed, Talking Trash for Relevance'
"So, what does he have to do to stay and keep up with this change, ‘Oh I got to find that big bad wolf and talk about him, so now I keep my relevancy.’ And I'm cool, but I'm not going to help you, I'm not going to add to you, I'm not going to respond because that's what you want. Yeah, you just want me to respond, I don't do that. I'm not going to help you come up."
Finebaum responded to Sanders' comments on ESPN's "First Take," acknowledging Sanders' assessment of his fading relevance but defending the role of the media. "He did say something that I agree with. He called me a 'dying breed' in the profession, which I'm proud of. Because I really do believe that the media should be treated with respect and not have selective persecution like he is using out there."
Deion Sanders Slams Paul Finebaum: 'He's a Dying Breed, Talking Trash for Relevance'
The controversy stems from Finebaum's repeated criticism of the Colorado program, which Sanders views as unfair and disrespectful. After Sanders banned Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler from asking questions at a press conference, Finebaum accused Sanders of selective persecution of the media.
Sanders maintains that his decision to ban Keeler was justified, as he believed the reporter was biased against the program. "You don't like us, man. Why do you do this to yourself?" Sanders asked Keeler at the press conference. "No, I'm serious. Why do you do this? Like you know you don’t. Like, why do you do this?"
Despite the controversy, Sanders remains focused on the upcoming season, as the Buffaloes prepare to host the North Dakota State Bison on Thursday. Sanders hopes to build on the momentum from a strong start to his tenure in Boulder, leading the team to a successful campaign in his second season.
