07 May 2023 , 19:29
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Deion Sanders has received support from the University of Colorado after 57 players entered the transfer portal to exit the program since his arrival in Boulder.
Sanders is considered one of the best athletes in sports history after sensationally starring in both the NFL and MLB during his playing days, and he is now thriving as a coach in college. In his first full season as a head coach, Sanders led HBCU outfit Jackson State to the Southwestern Athletic Conference title with an 11-2 record before securing a move to Colorado ahead of the 2023 season.
He was brought to Colorado to turn the Buffaloes around, as the team has won double-digit games just once since 2002 and its 1-11 record in 2022 was the worst since 2012. As a result, Sanders wanted to totally turn the programme around - and a startling 57 players have entered the transfer portal since he became head coach.
On Thursday, Colorado athletic director Rick George insisted he has faith in Sanders. When speaking to ESPN following the Pac-12’s spring meetings, George said: “I have confidence in him and his staff, and they know what they're doing.
“He's been very honest and forthright. He's been very open about it publicly and privately. He's trying to build a winner at Colorado, and this is his way to do it.”
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The exodus of players should perhaps be unsurprising. In his first meeting with Colorado players following his hire, Sanders told remaining stars to ‘go ahead and jump in that portal’ as he prepared to bring his players from Jackson State.
Some players left the program voluntarily, but the NCAA stipulates that while first-year head coaches may cut players from the roster, the university must honour scholarships. George suggested players can stay to enjoy their scholarship, but they won’t be on the team.
Deion Sanders joined the University of Colorado ahead of the 2023 season (AP)“Coach is doing what he thinks is best for this program,” George added. “I support that. The rule is in place for a reason. It gives us the ability to do those kinds of things.
“Any student-athlete who doesn't want to leave, we'll honour their scholarship. We'll pay for it, and we've done that.”
Sanders enjoyed a stellar NFL career and is largely believed by many to be the best cornerback in league history. After being selected fifth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, the two-time Super Bowl champion - and 1994 Defensive Player of the Year - played for the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens.
In the 1990s, Sanders was a popular two-sport athlete that excelled in the professional leagues for both American football and baseball. As an MLB star, Sanders turned out for the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants.