Former NBA player Matt Barnes recently made headlines for standing up for NFL legend Deion Sanders amidst a controversy involving sports commentator Paul Finebaum. The situation drew parallels to a longstanding beef in the NBA, highlighting the significance of loyalty and respect in the world of professional sports.
The comparison drawn by Barnes between the Finebaum-Sanders controversy and a two-decade-old feud in the NBA added depth to the narrative, showcasing the enduring nature of personal animosities in the world of professional sports. The reference to past conflicts served as a reminder that rivalries and conflicts can simmer beneath the surface for years, resurfacing unexpectedly and prompting public discussions.
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The college sports scenario in Colorado has turned hot. Notably, Deion Sanders of the University of Colorado recently banned Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler from questioning him. As per the reports, Keeler has often taken personal attacks at Colorado Buffaloes and Sanders. Following the move, however, former columnist Paul Finebaum stated Coach Prime to be a “bully” and a “hypocrite” on ESPN’s Get Up. While some fans and analysts have criticized Sanders for his decision, former NBA star Matt Barnes has got his back.
Barnes shared an IG post and detailed his opinion on the entire issue in the caption of the post. He starts by praising Finebaum for his job, for the way he provides insights on college games. However, he goes on to claim that despite working with a big network, not many know about Finebaum.
“no one knows who you are!” he says. “You have weird fascination w @deionsanders and you’re trying to ride his wave the same way @skipbayless did w Bron for 20yrs..” Barnes further added.
Every basketball enthusiast would know how Bayless has been a LeBron James critic for almost 2 decades now. While the most that Skip targeted Bron was during his time in the Miami Heat, it’s not as if things have changed for any good. Even recently, the sports columnist questioned LeBron getting the MVP after Team USA’s Olympic run. “… It was obviously a disgrace that LeBron won it. Politics? Strings pulled? Tell me I’m wrong.” Bayless wrote in a post on X.
It has been evidently clear on numerous occasions how unrealistically critical Bayless becomes against King. And Matt Barnes believes Finebaum is acting in a similar manner, concerning coach Sanders. He highlighted how the former columnist criticized Sanders but would not say a word about the positive impact Coach Prime is making both on and off field, preparing the players for not just sports but life.
“Hate I had to say all that before I S/O my brotha @deionsanders for being a true leader of Men! …@finebaumshow take your personal jealousy & emotions out of reporting. Your G-string is showing…” Barnes concluded his opinion.
Notably, Sanders has also responded to Barnes’ post, extending love for all the support. “Not 1 lie told or sold,” he commented.
As mentioned earlier, the row started with CU Athletic Department in conjunction with the football program, deciding to take questions from any reporter from the Denver Post but Sean Keeler. Reacting to it, Finebaum took a dig at the Buffaloes coach. He stated Coach Prime is showing he is not ready for prime time.
The 69-year-old further highlighted that Sanders is treating the reporters as if this is an autocratic country and not America. What seemed even more absurd to Paul was the fact that media interaction is a part of Coach Prime’s contract.
“This is a trait of Deion Sanders. He wants to have it his way and I find him to be a bully and a hypocrite…” Finebaum said on ESPN’s Get Up. Meanwhile, the analysts and fans stand divided on the entire issue. Matt Barnes has been among the few like Shannon Sharpe who have openly supported Sanders.
As the Finebaum-Sanders controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the dynamics between the parties involved will evolve and whether Barnes’ intervention will have a lasting impact on the narrative. What is clear, however, is that the incident has sparked a broader conversation about loyalty, respect, and the enduring nature of personal relationships in the world of professional sports.
Flip to the next page for Matt Barnes’ post trashing Paul Finebaum while siding with Deion Sanders…
