Deion Sanders sends clear message to his players about NIL accountability

Jeff Hauser

Deion Sanders sends clear message to his players about NIL accountability image

Deion Sanders is taking everything in stride this week. The Colorado Buffaloes coach regrouped with his team after last Friday's 36-20 loss at Houston. This marks the worst start of Sanders' tenure in Boulder at a 1-2 record, which has prompted questions about the upcoming Big 12 schedule after the contest with Wyoming.  

Coach Prime took questions during his press conference on Tuesday. He was openly asked about the current situation at quarterback. However, there weren't many details provided. What was clear from Sanders was the need to have his team on the same level. "Leadership and consistency" is what he was looking to see from his team. Sanders also took on some responsibility for the slow start. 

"One thing about our young man, they're understanding what accountability is as well as us as the coaching staff," said Sanders. "I take full responsibility and accountability of every darn 'L' we receive, but sometimes young men in life have to understand they're accountable for their actions."

Sanders then turned to on field performance and what's expected given the new era of college athletics. "If you're going to be accountable to go pick up that NIL check, you're going to be accountable for what goes on that field as well," he added. "Our kids understand that."

Colorado welcomed Ice Cube as a guest at practice before his concert at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday night. The hip hop legend addressed the players and took in the sights and sounds of Boulder. 

The Buffs face Wyoming in a late-night non-conference affair on Saturday night (10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN).   

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.