Deion Sanders Clarifies 'Joke' About Offering Money to Critics Amid Colorado's Struggles

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has responded to recent comments made by one of his long-time associates regarding an alleged offer to his critics. Christopher Neely, a YouTube content creator known as "Uncle Neely," had previously indicated that Coach Prime was prepared to pay up to $50,000 to silence those who speak negatively about him. "That was a joke," Sanders told reporters on Tuesday.

In a segment from an online roundtable program, Neely had asserted, "For the most part, the people that attack him wouldn't be making the money they were making if he wasn't here to attack. Which is why he told some of them, 'Hey man, let's just do this. I give you $50,000 to not mention my name for a year.' And ain't nobody took the deal yet."

When questioned by journalists about what was characterized as an offer of "hush money" to those critical of the Colorado football program, Sanders initially appeared to require more context. Neely, who was present at Sanders' weekly news conference, promptly provided the necessary background on his earlier statements.

"Oh no, no, no! I think you misinterpreted that," Sanders clarified. "I said, like some of y'all in here sitting right now, 'I would love to give you money and not mention my name, and I want to see how far that goes.' ... That's what we were saying. Some people live on your name."

Addressing Public Scrutiny and His Approach

Sanders emphasized that facing criticism is not a new experience for him, having encountered it throughout his career, from his days as an NFL player to his current role as a coach.

"I would never offer a man money. I don't give a darn what you say about me," Sanders stated. "That was really a joke about someone prospering off of your name and your brand. It's not in my heart to not like anybody in this room. I may not like some things you may do or say, but I don't know you enough to form that opinion."

He further added, "This is normalcy because I'm just different. I'm unapologetic about things I say and how I live my life."

Colorado's Recent Performance Under Sanders

Sanders is currently in his fourth season leading the Colorado Buffaloes, having transitioned from a successful period at Jackson State. The Pro Football Hall of Famer rapidly elevated Colorado's national profile, guiding the Buffaloes to nine victories and a bowl appearance in his second year.

The team concluded the 2025 season with a 3-9 overall record. This current season began promisingly with a 2-0 start, but the Buffaloes have since experienced a challenging stretch, losing their last five consecutive games. Colorado is scheduled to face Kansas State this Saturday.