TL;DR
- * Deion Sanders accepts full blame for Colorado's 52-17 loss to Arizona, stating "Come at me." * Sanders defended his players, stating they have not quit despite five turnovers and 14 penalties.
- * He acknowledged the team's struggles with discipline and execution, calling it a lack of preparation.
- * Sanders expressed personal emotion about seeing his son, Shedeur, play in the game.
Deion Sanders didn’t dodge questions or assign blame. He stood alone and took it all.
Refrain from criticizing the coordinators. Don’t attack the players. Following Colorado's 52-17 defeat against Arizona, which marked the most significant home loss during his tenure, Sanders stated, "Come at me." “This has nothing to do with them. My treat.
The Buffaloes fell behind 38–7 by halftime. Throughout the game they were undone by five turnovers, 14 penalties, and a string of explosive plays that silenced Folsom Field. Sanders opened by telling reporters nobody else would be speaking. “No one will be available tonight,” he said. “It’s on me.”
When asked what it will take to improve, Sanders didn’t hesitate. “Have no idea. If I knew, I wouldn’t have allowed it to happen. It’s on me. Directly from me. We’re not executing. We’re not getting it done. And that's due to a lack of preparation, I'd guess. My apologies.
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When a reporter pressed whether his players had checked out, Sanders’ tone sharpened. No, sir. I know this team personally. I'm very familiar with this group. I know a multitude of players. They haven’t done that,” he said. “I know when a player quits. I can spot a quitter from a mile away. Haven’t seen that.”
Still, discipline, a problem that defined the night, was not something he ignored. “Fourteen penalties tonight for 110 yards. It’s probably a record since I’ve been here,” Sanders said. It doesn't make sense. Especially considering we've been ranked among the top, likely within the top 25, facing penalties this season. We’ve been doing good. Today, just horrible penalty-wise. Horrible.”
He admitted the team’s struggles were difficult to diagnose but not invisible. “If I knew the disconnect, I would tell you. You know I’m transparent. I’m trying my best not to say what I want to say and I’m trying my best not to give everything,” Sanders said. I'm aware of the circumstances. I've identified the issue and will resolve it.
The emotion peaked when the subject turned to family. “Forget the game. Forget this. Forget that. "It's been a long time since I've seen my son," Sanders remarked regarding Shedeur's homecoming appearance. “That was quite emotional for me.”
He closed the night simply, the way he began it. “Aim at me,” he said. “Leave the other guys alone and their kids. All right? Aim at me. I’m good for it…I never doubt me…I’m built for this.”
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