Deion Sanders denies rumors of $50,000 offer to silence critics

Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders has addressed claims that he offered $50,000 to individuals to stop criticizing him. The rumors originated from comments made by Christopher Neely, Sanders’ personal videographer, during a live stream of ‘BuffBoys Live’ following a loss to Oklahoma State.

Neely claimed that Sanders offered critics ‘$50,000 to not mention my name for a year,’ suggesting that the media's preoccupation with the coach is a source of income. During a Tuesday press conference, Sanders clarified that the suggestion was merely a joke and that the claims were a misinterpretation.

The controversy follows a difficult start to the 2026 season for the Colorado Buffaloes, who currently hold a 2-5 record and remain the only team in the Big 12 without a conference victory.