The Deion Sanders era at Jackson State kicked off Sunday with a special guest, a Gatorade bath and some postgame tension.
Sanders, who was hired in September, met with former Cowboys teammate Troy Aikman before the game. The pair hugged on the field before Sanders led the Tigers to a 53-0 victory over NAIA school Edward Waters.
Aikman and Sanders played together in Dallas between 1995 and 1999, and the duo won a Super Bowl together in 1996.
Troy Aikman surprised former Cowboys teammate Deion Sanders for Deion’s coaching debut at Jackson State
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) February 21, 2021
(via @TroyAikman’s Instagram) pic.twitter.com/WOsl6vk0Cz
But after the game, Sanders told reporters that someone had entered his office during the game and had stolen his belongings.
“So how do you think I feel, coming back after just teary eyed because the guys had just presented me with the game ball, one of the best moments I’ve ever had in my professional sports career emotionally,” Sanders said. “And then you go into your locker room, the coach’s office to digress, and you notice you don’t even have a phone to call your momma, to call your girl, to call your kids, because it’s been stolen.”
Coach Prime said someone stole all of the belongings in his office during the game. pic.twitter.com/HEMRLv7IgI
— Rashad Milligan (@RashadMilligan) February 21, 2021
But according to the Rashad Milligan of the Clarion-Ledger, all of Sanders’ belongings were found after “being misplaced.” Sports Illustrated reported that the belongings were moved for “safe keeping” and have since been returned to Sanders.
In a stunning turn of events, Jackson State officials tell @SINow that Deion Sanders’ belongings were not stolen and were only “misplaced” after being moved for “safe keeping.”
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) February 22, 2021
They have since been recovered and returned to Sanders.
Jackson State is playing a spring season after the fall campaign was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Tigers will play eight games.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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