A few weeks after a public press conference feud between Deion Sanders and two reporters, the program has now taken action to ban one reporter from asking further questions.
Colorado has banned Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler from asking questions to Deion Sanders or any members of the Buffs program, including players.
The school cites a "series of sustained, personal attacks on Sanders as the reason for the nearly unprecedented move.
I note "nearly" because Sanders enacted a similar ban on a Clarion Ledger reporter when he was at Jackson State after a story was published on an incoming recruit's assault charge against a woman.
A Colorado spokesperson cited Keeler's use of these specific phrases in their decision:
- "false prophet"
- "Deposition Deion"
- "Planet Prime"
- "Bruce Lee of BS"
- "The Deion Kool-Aid"
- "circus"
The statement from Colorado notes that Keeler is still permitted to attend practices and other football-related activities as a credentialed member of the media, and other reporters from the Denver Post are welcome to ask questions to those involved in the football program.
According to the Denver Post, Sanders has a unique clause in his contract that states he is require to speak only with "mutually agreed upon media."
Coupled with the contract language, the move sends a dangerous message to the rest of the media covering the Buffs in-person - be nice, or you're privileges will be revoked.
Seems like it's been an off season of headlines for the wrong reasons for Coach Prime and his program. Following a disappointing 4-8 season, there's been beef with multiple media outlets and allegations of some major culture problems in Boulder just to name the latest few.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for all the latest.