Deion Sanders criticizes NCAA, says players are 'athlete-students'

Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has called for a commissioner to regulate college football and manage Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation. Speaking on ESPN's "First Take," Sanders stated that college players should now be considered "athlete-students" rather than "student-athletes," reflecting the changing dynamics of college sports. He criticized the NCAA transfer portal's timing, which he claims has burdened academic departments due to its overlap with the start of the spring semester.

Sanders also addressed the disparities in college football funding, where schools with wealthier donors have a competitive edge. He proposed a model similar to the NFL's revenue-sharing system to ensure fairness in team resources. Additionally, Sanders expressed no interest in returning to the NFL, citing dissatisfaction with the treatment of his son, Shedeur Sanders, who was drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns despite being projected as a first-round pick.

Sanders, who led Colorado to a 3