Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Slide Sparks Collusion Allegations and Controversy
The fifth-round draft selection of Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders, has led to widespread speculation and allegations of collusion among NFL teams. Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson claims that teams were instructed not to draft Sanders to ‘make an example’ of him, while President Trump criticized the NFL owners for passing on the quarterback. ESPN analysts also raised concerns about potential collusion, comparing the situation to Colin Kaepernick’s NFL exile. The Cleveland Browns’ surprising selection of Sanders, despite initial plans to draft only one quarterback, further fueled the controversy.
Following the controversial draft fall of Sanders, former NFL quarterback Eric Dickerson claimed that NFL teams were given instructions to avoid drafting the quarterback in an effort to ‘make an example’ out of him. Dickerson made the claim during an interview with AM 570 LA Sports, stating that a ‘very good source’ had informed him about the league’s directive. Dickerson expressed his belief in the NFL’s ability to influence team decisions, citing the league’s extensive power and influence. However, Dickerson’s assertions have not been independently verified, leaving the claims in a gray area of speculation.
The situation gained national attention when President Donald Trump commented on the draft outcome, criticizing the NFL owners for not selecting Sanders, stating that he had ‘phenomenal genes’ and was ‘all set for greatness’. Trump’s comments added another layer of public scrutiny to the draft scenario, as the league and its owners faced mounting pressure to justify the decision-making process regarding Sanders’ selection.
ESPN analysts further intensified the debate, with Mel Kiper Jr. calling the draft slide ‘disgusting’ and Stephen A. Smith suggesting that the situation was analogous to Colin Kaepernick’s exclusion from the NFL in 2016. Smith shared a text message from an associate indicating that the league’s owners appeared to be colluding, which led to public dissatisfaction and doubts about the legitimacy of the NFL’s draft decisions. These analyses and public statements have intensified the discourse, raising questions about the integrity of the draft process and the motivations behind the league’s actions.
The Cleveland Browns’ draft decision to select Sanders remains a focal point, as general manager Andrew Berry admitted that the team was not planning to draft two quarterbacks. Berry’s admission highlights the unexpected nature of the Browns’ choice, suggesting that the selection was a result of both the available talent and the draft’s shifting dynamics rather than a premeditated plan. Sanders’ performance during the preseason, including two touchdowns, has earned him praise, albeit with his position on the depth chart placing him behind several veteran and rookie quarterbacks.
As the controversy over Sanders’ draft selection continues, the NFL faces increasing pressure from fans, analysts, and public figures to clarify the circumstances surrounding the quarterback’s unexpected fall. The league’s response remains pending, with Fox News Digital seeking a statement from the NFL, underscoring the ongoing impact of the situation on the football community and the broader public perception of the league’s integrity.