Boulder: Sanders dismisses $50,000 silence offer as humor

University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders addressed a viral comment on Tuesday, stating that a proposal to pay critics $50,000 to stop mentioning his name was a joke. The clarification came during the team’s weekly news conference, held four days before the Buffaloes host Kansas State.

The discussion followed remarks made by Christopher Neely, the coach’s personal videographer. Neely told Essentially Sports that Sanders had suggested to some critics, “Hey man, let’s just do this. I give you $50,000 to not mention my name for a year.” Neely added that no one had accepted the offer. An NBC Sports column by Mike Florio later cited those remarks.

At the press conference, Neely was present and noted that the comment originated from a show he and Sanders produced in the spring. Sanders said the remark had been misinterpreted. He recalled saying to people in the room, “I would love to give you money and not mention my name, and I want to see how far that goes.” He concluded that the statement was intended as a joke.

When reporters pressed further, Sanders maintained his position. He said, “I would never offer a man money. I don’t give a durn what you say about me.” Sanders described the comment as a joke about individuals who profit from a coach’s name and brand. He added that he has received criticism since arriving at Jackson State and even while coaching youth teams.

Sanders stated that he is unapologetic about his speech and lifestyle. He remarked, “You guys keep thinking this just started. This ain’t just start.” The Colorado Buffaloes currently hold a 2-5 overall record and are 0-4 in Big 12 play.

The team welcomes Kansas State at noon Saturday. The game will air on TNT.