Deion Sanders has previously said that when it comes to NIL money to players, Colorado will not be an “ATM” for recruits and players. And he’s since clarified those comments a little bit.
During a recent press conference, Deion Sanders talked a little bit more about NIL and the role of NIL collectives in recruiting, making it clear that he does support players receiving financial support and NIL collectives do have a role in making sure that happens – he just doesn’t want it to be the primary thing that players focus on.
“The thing about it, we do need help with the collectives,” Sanders said. “We do need that because we have some kids that are really good laying this game, and they’re going to need assistance in that aspect. So we do need help with the collectives. Don’t mistake that tone, pretty much, that we don’t need it. Yes. … It’s the reality of what we’re doing, but we don’t desire the kids that only want to come for that. We want the kids that want to come to play this game first.
Sanders clarified that he has no problem with players earning money from NIL, but he wants players to worry about playing football first and foremost, and allow the money to come to them as a byproduct of that – not the other way around.
“But don’t come in here talking about the front part and we haven’t even discussed how you fit into the scheme,” Sanders said. “That’s the problem that we have. Don’t put the money up front, don’t put the bag up front. Put the game up front.”
It’s certainly a delicate line to walk, but Sanders seems intent on making sure his program threads that needle.
