In August, Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders had a tense exchange with Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler during a press conference. Sanders questioned Keeler’s motives, accusing him of not liking the team. Two weeks later, Colorado announced that Keeler would no longer be allowed to direct questions to Sanders or anyone else involved with the football program due to what they deemed as “personal attacks” on the program and the coach. Keeler’s access to football-related activities remains intact, but his colleagues from the Denver Post are free to ask questions at events.
A spokesperson from the Colorado athletic department cited several past references made by Keeler regarding Sanders, such as calling him “Deposition Deion” and a “false prophet,” as points of contention. The exchange between Sanders and Keeler lasted about 90 seconds, with Sanders repeatedly asking Keeler why he was being targeted. Keeler tried to ask a football-related question, but Sanders continued to question his motives. Eventually, Sanders agreed to discuss the matter with Keeler in a private setting at a later date.
Keeler published a column after the exchange with Sanders, suggesting that the coach appeared “afraid.” The Denver Post noted that Sanders’ contract allows him to only talk to “mutually agreed-upon media.” Denver Post sports editor Matt Schubert stated that while it was within Colorado’s right to ban Keeler, the reasons cited were subjective. Keeler is not the first reporter whom Sanders has taken issue with and banned; a reporter from the Mississippi Clarion Ledger was barred from covering Jackson State football in 2021 after publishing a story related to a top recruit facing assault charges.
Colorado finished the 2023 season with a 4-8 record, and Sanders aims to improve upon that in the upcoming season. The Buffaloes will open the 2024 season against North Dakota State on August 31 as part of their debut in the Big 12 Conference. The decision to ban Keeler from questioning Sanders or anyone else involved with the football program has raised discussions about media access and coverage of college sports. The move by Colorado has been met with criticism from some, including the Denver Post, while others have defended the university’s decision based on the content of Keeler’s past coverage.
