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via Imago
Source: Imago
When one media outlet snubs Deion Sanders & Co., it might seem no big deal. But when more start piling on, it gets harder to ignore. Recently, Deion snubbed journalists from the Denver Post and CBS during his birthday press conference. Now, it looks like AP might join the list.
The Associated Press has released its college football poll for the top 25 teams, and Coach Prime’s Buffaloes barely made the cut. They’re not even in the 25th place, but got just one lone vote supporting them. Out of 62 media professionals, it’s believed that only FOX Sports’ Mike Hill had enough confidence in Colorado to cast a vote their way.
On the August 12 ESPN College Football show, host Matt Barrie asked fellow analyst Paul Finebaum if he was “fine or not fine with Colorado only getting one vote.” Finebaum, known for his sharp takes on the Buffaloes, didn’t hold back. “It wasn’t me. There’s no way I would vote for Colorado. This is a program that’s living off its head coach, not its school reputation. Because they have none, other than a national championship about 30 years ago.”
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What’s your reaction?
Paul Finebaum just crossed the line—what's your take on his latest jab?
Reactions
Finebaum didn’t stop there, referencing Deion’s recent media outburst. “I’m sure he’s gonna yell at me like he did the local media on Saturday. But I really don’t care,” he said bluntly.
Now, Finebaum is no stranger to criticizing the Buffs. Just last month, during SEC media day, he called them “irrelevant” in college football, saying, “They’re not going to the playoffs this year, and I’m not sure Deion is ever going to get them to the playoffs.” Now, the AP polls just seem to reflect his feelings.
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Amidst that, Finebaum and fellow analysts are having a field day with Deion’s new drama.
Deion Sanders’ war with the press heats up
What’s your perspective on:
Is Paul Finebaum's attack on Deion Sanders justified, or is he just stirring the pot?
Have an interesting take?
Deion Sanders had a meltdown at his birthday press conference on August 9. The media was eager to ask questions, but Coach Prime quickly shut down a CBS reporter, saying, “I’m not doing anything with CBS…they know what they did.” Rumor has it this snub is because the sports media ranked him the second-worst coach in the Big 12.
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Last season, Sanders started strong with three straight wins, but eight losses followed, casting a shadow over the team. Critics from various outlets took their shots, and it wasn’t just CBS that felt Deion’s cold shoulder. Denver Post’s Sean Keeler was also snubbed during the same media appearance, with Sanders bluntly refusing to take his question, saying, “You don’t like us, man.” He clarified that he doesn’t want to engage with someone who, in his view, dislikes everything he’s doing. Noting Sanders’ cold and unprofessional behavior, sportscaster Jason Whitlock defended his fellow media members. On his August 12 show, Whitlock bluntly stated, “When you bully people and don’t engage, don’t expect them to be enthusiastic or know what to ask other than to genuflect in front of you.”
Many believe that only a winning season will silence Deion’s critics amidst all this. But with the AP Polls now in play, the question remains: will the Buffs prove their worth this year? Will the lone voter get his justice?
Debate
Is Paul Finebaum's attack on Deion Sanders justified, or is he just stirring the pot?