Sanders claims $50,000 silence offer was a joke

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders stated Tuesday that a reported offer to pay critics $50,000 to stay silent was a joke rather than a financial transaction.

Sanders addressed the claim at his weekly news conference, which took place four days before the Buffaloes host Kansas State. The question followed remarks from Christopher Neely, Sanders' personal videographer known as Uncle Neely. Neely told NBC Sports that Sanders had suggested to some critics, 'Hey man, let's just do this. I give you $50,000 to not mention my name for a year.' Neely said no one accepted the proposal.

Sanders described the incident as a misinterpretation of comments made during a show he and Neely produced in the spring. 'I said like some of y'all in here sitting right now. I would love to give you money and not mention my name, and I want to see how far that goes,' Sanders said. He added, 'That was a joke.' When pressed further, Sanders insisted he would never offer a man money. He said he does not care what people say about him and viewed the comment as a joke about individuals prospering from his brand.

Sanders noted that criticism has followed his career since his time at Jackson State and even during his youth coaching days. 'You guys keep thinking this just started. This ain't just start,' he said. He described himself as unapologetic about his words and lifestyle.

Colorado enters Saturday's game with a 2-5 record and a 0-4 mark in the Big 12. The team has lost five consecutive matches. The Buffaloes face Kansas State at noon on TNT.