NFL Legend Shannon Sharpe Goes on a Strongly Political Rant While Addressing Jeff Saturday’s Placement as Interim Colts Head Coach

The Indianapolis Colts have made head-turning decisions successively in the past weeks. First, they benched veteran quarterback, Matt Ryan, following a chain of abysmal performances. Then they even announced the termination of long-time NFL coach Frank Reich, after a humiliating loss to the Patriots on Sunday. What came as an even bigger pill to swallow was the appointment of former NFL player turned-analyst, Jeff Saturday, as the new interim head coach.

Among many reactions from the media and the players in the NFL, Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe had one of the strongest and most outright bold responses to the appointment. Feeling infuriated at the lack of experience of the candidate. Moreover, the owner’s further justification of how glad he was with Saturday’s blank canvas of a coaching career. According to the legendary TE, this was a show of the league’s failure to promote diversity in coaching roles at the top level.

Shannon Sharpe on Jeff Saturday getting the job

Talking to his co-host Skip Bayless on their Show ‘Undisputed’, Sharpe had a highly political view on the subject. “Ain’t no way in hell a black guy getting a job like this,” added Sharpe. Upset about the process of appointment followed by Colt’s owner, he said that the major reason we do not see that many black coaches in the league, is because of their lack of experience. The often-cited reason by the owners and higher-ups had no impact in this scenario.

Annoyed at the decision of the owner, the retired TE said, “these 32 powerful men and women are going to hire who they want, so stop trying to peddle trying to sell diversity.” He made it abundantly clear that he was happy for Jeff. He was just aggrieved by the fate he said a person of color has to go through to make a name for themselves. “I don’t begrudge the man for getting the job. It is the process that I have a problem with,” added Sharpe.

Read more: Indianapolis Colts Sack Head Coach Frank Reich and Owner Jim Irsay Has the Most Bizarre Justification for It

A new role

Jeff Saturday was formerly a Center who played most of his life for the Indianapolis Colts. With the franchise, he made 5 Pro Bowl selections and two First-team all pro, adding a Super Bowl as well in 2006. He finally played his final season for the Green Bay Packers in which he earned a Pro Bowl selection as well.

After his playing days, he turned into an analyst and worked on multiple shows and sat on different panels, while also maintaining a working relationship with Colts and their owner Jim Irsay as a consultant for the team. It was a shock for most of the ears who came to hear the news of his appointment. However, the owner feels happy with his new interim HC. He, according to him, does not carry any scars from his past.

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