Deion Sanders is shutting down claims that he offered critics $50,000 to stop talking about him, insisting it was just a joke.
The Colorado Buffaloes head coach addressed the eyebrow-raising allegation during a Tuesday press conference after longtime associate and YouTube personality Christopher “Uncle Neely” Neely claimed that Sanders had offered money to people who regularly criticize him.
“That was a joke,” Sanders told reporters.
Neely first made the claim in an online discussion, saying Sanders proposed paying detractors $50,000 to avoid mentioning his name for a year, but nobody accepted the supposed offer. Sanders quickly cleared up the confusion, saying he had joked about seeing how successful certain commentators would be without mentioning him.
“Some people live on your name,” he said.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer, who has spent decades dealing with public scrutiny, insisted he has no interest in buying anyone’s silence.
“I would never offer a man money. I don’t give a darn what you say about me,” Sanders declared.
After opening the 2026 season with two wins, the Buffaloes have suffered five straight losses, adding pressure on their fourth-year coach.
“I’m unapologetic about things I say and how I live my life,” he added.