ESPN pundit's criticism of Deion Sanders: 'A fan only blows when you're hot'

Paul Finebaum of ESPN deemed Colorado's football program insignificant.

ESPN pundit's criticism of Deion Sanders: 'A fan only blows when you're hot'
ESPN pundit's criticism of Deion Sanders: 'A fan only blows when you're hot'

Deion Sanders is no stranger to media criticism these days.

During a recent episode of "Outta Pocket with RGIII," ESPN pundit Paul Finebaum referred to the Colorado Buffaloes program as irrelevant.

"Yet he's discussing us. How could we be insignificant and you talking about me? Always, whenever I turn around, someone is sending me a quote that you're discussing me."

Deion Sanders speaks
Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes speaks at the Big 12 Conference Football Media Day at Allegiant Stadium on July 10, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Louis Grasse/Getty Images)

Grete Griffin, Robert Griffin III's wife and co-host of the podcast, stated that Finebaum must be a fan.

A fan blows only when you're hot, as Sanders pointed out.

"If a fan only blows when you're hot, then we must be hot. I know what he's doing, and I'm proud of him for being smart enough to understand that this generation's thought process and communication in sports are different, and he's a rare breed."

"To remain relevant and adapt to the change, he must find the big bad wolf and discuss him. However, I am not willing to assist him in this task as I am not interested in helping him. Instead, I will remain indifferent and not respond to his request for assistance."

Paul Finebaum in 2022
Paul Finebaum before the playoff semifinal game between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Dec. 31, 2022, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

During an episode of ESPN's "First Take," Sanders' comments were responded to by Finebaum.

"Sanders' comments didn't hold much significance to me because they were an irrelevant response. However, he did say something that I agree with - he called me a "dying breed" in the profession, which I'm proud of. I believe that the media should be treated with respect and not subjected to selective persecution like Sanders is doing."

Sanders has banned Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler from asking questions to Sanders or anyone else involved in the football program.

On Aug. 9 at Colorado's media day, Sanders and Keeler had a heated interaction.

Deion Sanders speaks
Deion Sanders speaks on stage during the Cry Out at George R. Brown Convention Center on June 21, 2024, in Houston, Texas.  (Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)

"Why do you do this to yourself, Keeler?" Sanders inquired during the press conference. "I'm serious, man. Why do you do this? You know you don't, right?"

During the previous season, Sanders guided the Buffaloes to a 3-0 start, generating excitement nationwide. However, the team went 1-8 in their next nine games.

The North Dakota State Bison will be hosted by Sanders on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, marking the beginning of his second season.

Planet Chronicle’ Chantz Martin contributed to this report.

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by Ryan Canfield

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