The University of Colorado has essentially silenced a journalist due to his unfavorable articles about head football coach Deion Sanders.

On Friday, the university announced that it would no longer entertain inquiries from Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler during football events.

“Following a series of ongoing personal critiques directed at both the football program and specifically Coach Prime, the CU Athletic Department, in collaboration with the football program, has chosen to disallow questions from Sean Keeler at football events,” read the statement from the university shared with YSL News Sports. “Keeler remains authorized to attend football-related activities as a credentialed media member, and other Denver Post reporters can still ask questions of available football program personnel, including coaches, players, and staff. Keeler is still welcome to cover and ask questions regarding other CU athletic programs and administrators.”

What Prompted Colorado’s Decision Against the Journalist?

The university did not clarify whether this choice stemmed from Sanders himself. Earlier this month, during a press briefing, Keeler casually remarked “happy summer” to Sanders, who responded negatively and refused to answer him.

“You don’t like us, man,” Sanders stated on August 9. “Why do you do this to yourself?”

In a subsequent column, Keeler labeled Sanders as “Deposition Deion,” while recognizing Sanders’ right to react in his own way.

“I’ve taken my swings at the pinata,” Keeler reflected. “Friday was Prime’s turn, and he didn’t miss. I had it coming, as an old song from ‘Chicago’ would suggest. That’s fair.”

Later, on August 13, Keeler attended a Colorado football practice and attempted to question graduate assistant coach Warren Sapp, but was turned away by a university staff member.

“Next question,” the staff member instructed.

Keeler has a history of criticizing Sanders. In February, he penned an article that questioned Sanders’ ambitious claims for his team and its potential after Sanders suggested they could contend for the College Football Playoff in 2024.

“Deion Sanders is a false prophet, the Bruce Lee of B.S., and Harold Hill in designer shades. He’s also in the wrong field,” Keeler expressed at the time. “If Coach Prime chose to run for governor, he’d excel. He’d have rallies for breakfast and fans adoring him for miles. No NCAA. No recruiting regulations. No bothersome Washington States to deal with in the cold.”

A report from the Post mentioned that they requested specific instances where Keeler personally attacked Sanders or the program. In response, a sports information staffer highlighted words used by Keeler such as “false prophet,” “Deposition Deion,” “Planet Prime,” “Bruce Lee of B.S.,” “the Deion Kool-Aid,” and “circus.”

Deion Sanders’ Contract and His Relationship with Critical Media

The Post indicated that Sanders’ contract with CU contains specific language requiring him to engage only with “mutually agreed upon media.” This clause is absent in the contracts of CU men’s basketball coach Tad Boyle or women’s basketball coach JR Payne, as well as Sanders’ predecessor, Karl Dorrell.

Furthermore, the Post pointed out that Sanders has a history of similar actions during his tenure at Jackson State.

In July 2021, Rashad Milligan, a reporter from the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, was prohibited from covering the Jackson State football team at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Media Day. This restriction came shortly after Milligan reported on a domestic violence allegation involving one of the team’s key recruits.

That recruit later finalized a deal to plead no contest to disorderly conduct, receiving three months of probation and a $50 fine, according to court documents reviewed by YSL News Sports. Milligan revealed to YSL News Sports that Sanders had issues with his coverage aside from that particular story. He voluntarily departed from the Clarion-Ledger later that year before the matter was settled.

Additionally, Sanders expressed dissatisfaction with CBS earlier this month. When a local CBS reporter attempted to ask a question, Sanders responded, “CBS, I’m not doing nothing with CBS. Next question.”

Although Sanders did not specify his grievances with CBS, he later reconciled with the reporter, suggesting the issue was resolved. However, Keeler’s status in Sanders’ good graces remains uncertain.