The former Florida State and NFL star Deion ‘Prime Time’ Sanders made some waves yesterday during the Southwestern Athletic Conference media days for a very interesting reason.
The current coach of Jacksonville State got extremely angry at a reporter by calling him by his first name, Deion, instead of coach. His rationale was that since Alabama’s current Hall-of-Fame coach Nick Saban wasn’t to be called by his first name than “coach Prime” should be either.
Not only was Sanders angry, but he literally walked out of his virtual press conference. See for yourself the interaction with a reporter from the Clarion Ledger. There’s no need to watch the video past the first 30 seconds.
This is how all of this started, I really Pray for all of us because this was something so minimal that was hilarious to me that you allowed a FOOLISH media outlet and person to play on your Preconceived notions. I’m all about Peace,Love,Work,Commitment,Sacrifice & Forgiveness. pic.twitter.com/ZjZPMVJVfj
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) July 21, 2021
It seems like Sanders, who owns a career 4-3 record, is looking for some respect. Is it warranted however? As a player, yes, undoubtedly, but as a coach, not so much.
He’s taking offense to a reporter calling him by his first name, without coach in front of it. Extremely out of line if you ask me. Nick Saban has earned the right to ask the media to call him coach, problem is, that hasn’t happened. This clip below shows that Saban has been called by his first name from media members plenty, without leaving a press conference.
— BDC (@BDC91741022) July 21, 2021
Sanders responded again this morning to the negative media reaction with this statement.
Morning Word, COACH PRIME pic.twitter.com/kB9eQX2s5M
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) July 21, 2021
A very interesting way to start his second season at JSU. If we know Sanders, and we all do, this won’t be the last time he makes waves as their head coach.