Deion Sanders has never shied away from the limelight. The Colorado coach is now involved in a social media fray with current and former players over his handling of the college team.
The dispute began when a former Buffalo, safety Xavier Smith, criticized Sanders’ approach after he was encouraged to transfer.
“[Sanders] said he felt like I should hit the [transfer] portal. He didn’t want me to waste a year thinking I could earn a spot,” Smith told The Athletic. “I was actually getting mad, like tears coming to my eyes. Because, bro, you never even tried to get to know me.”
Shedeur Sanders, the coach’s son and Colorado’s star quarterback, took to social media to respond, writing on X that he barely remembers Smith. “Bro had to be very mid at best.”
The message drew widespread criticism on social media from users who said the comment was unnecessary. More former Buffaloes chimed in, with wide receiver Kaleb Mathis posting a now-deleted video that showed him beating Smith’s coverage during practice.
Former Austin Peay defensive back Jaheim Ward criticized Mathis for posting the video despite recording only 38 yards in 2023.
Meanwhile, Sanders responded to those who criticized his son’s behavior.
“He will be a top 5 pick,” Sanders wrote. “Where yo son going? Lololol I got time today.”
The high-profile coach brought unprecedented media attention to Colorado when he joined the school before the 2023 season. The Buffaloes finished with a 4-8 record after a strong start, and Sanders’ off-field antics have angered some supporters.
“As a Coach Prime fan, I’m disappointed with them tweets to student athletes,” one X user wrote. “It would have been great to see maturity from not only him, but his athletes. You can’t push professionalism and in this instance not be.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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