Deion Sanders says $50,000 offer to critics was a joke amid team struggles

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders addressed recent claims that he offered $50,000 to critics to stop talking about him. Sanders clarified the offer was a joke and not a serious proposal, according to Yahoo Sports.

The claim originated from a point Sanders made earlier in the year on Thee Pregame Show, where he suggested that some critics would not accept money to stop criticizing him because they would lose income. This was reiterated by Christopher Neely, a close associate of Sanders who hosts a podcast on the team.

Neely mentioned during a livestream that Sanders offered $50,000 to some media members to not mention him for a year, but no one accepted. Sanders later told reporters he did not actually intend to pay anyone and that the comment was made in jest.

The controversy arose as Sanders' team struggled with a 2-5 record following five consecutive losses, increasing criticism from fans and media. Neely suggested that some media members benefit financially from negative coverage of Sanders.

Sanders and his team are preparing to face Kansas State on October 31, with the coach emphasizing he does not care about negative commentary. Neely further clarified that the $50,000 offer was a tongue-in-cheek example to highlight persistent negativity towards Sanders and his program.