Deion Sanders is an attention whore

by Fooch on Oct 5, 2009 1:00 PM PDT in News Comment 53 comments

That statement might not be the most shocking statement you've read in your life. During his playing days, as great an athletes as he was, Deion Sanders definitely coveted the media coverage. Whether it was during his Neon Dein days, or once he became Prime Time: Deion Sanders loved the spotlight.

Since the Michael Crabtree contract holdout first began to take a turn for the absurd, Prime Time has managed to fit himself right into the center of it. Eugene Parker was Deion's agent during his playing days so he certainly has an in with him (not sure what their relationship is at this point). Thus, Sanders has had plenty to say about the contract situation and has managed to get himself embroiled in the tampering charges.

Yesterday, Deion Sanders once again inserted himself into the spotlight of the Michael Crabtree contract holdout. During the 49ers-Rams highlights, Rich Eisen would announce the Davis and Morgan touchdowns as going to Crabtree before correcting himself. After the Morgan TD, the following exchange took place:

Deion: "Not yet. It could be brewing."

Eisen: "Are you dropping hints?"

Deion: "I’m dropping hints."

It's entirely possible Deion Sanders is right and Michael Crabtree will sign soon. The 49ers have a bye week coming up after Sunday's showdown with the Falcons (yes all future games are now showdowns...except against the Rams!). If Crabtree signs this week or by early next week, he could at least get some extra non-game time to learn the playbook and get in some kind of sync with Shaun Hill. This is of course all just speculation.

However, even if Sanders is correct about Crabtree, I still don't have to like him (Sanders) for it. Crabtree certainly deserves plenty of blame in this and I don't want this to be viewed as deflecting the blame to Deion. Of course, maybe that's exactly how he's working it. Deion blabs about the situation and people don't hear a peep from Crabtree or Parker. Thus, Deion diverts at least a little of the heat from Crabtree. Personally, I just think that Prime Time simply wants to be center stage. Part of the reason for that thinking is Barrows' update this morning that a league source indicated there have been no new conversations between Crabtree and the 49ers. Oh, and Crabtree is working out in Orlando since leaving the South Bay. So chalk one up for Deion wanting the spotlight.

I will always respect the athleticism and talent Deion Sanders brought to the field. He was as good a cornerback as we may ever see in the NFL. And yet his mouth and off-field action continue to get in the way of recognizing a great athlete. While I wouldn't say Deion had become "irrelevant" these last few years, he had definitely fallen out of the media spotlight. And I think Deion has decided to change that...much to the annoyance of this particular 49ers fan.

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True...

… but it’s a little odd whether he would say that unless he absolutely believed it to be true. As an NFL “journalist,” or whatever we can call Deion, I doubt he would want to be publicly wrong on something.

The only reason he would WANT to be wrong, is if he’s setting himself up for when the NFL comes knocking re: tampering. He may be putting a statement regarding Crabtree out there that he knows isn’t true, so when Crabtree doesn’t sign, he can claim that he obviously doesn’t have inside information since he misfired on the signing.

So, as I see it there are two possiblities. (1) Deion knows something substantial enough that he wants to beat everyone to the punch by announcing Crabtree is at least is in the mindset where he wants to sign, or (2) he’s putting out a statement he knows to be false to undermine any claims that he has true inside knowledge of the tampering and 49ers negotiations.

Okay, fine… (3) he’s just an idiot who doesn’t know when to shut his mouth.

by Quiet Fool on Oct 5, 2009 1:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd go with 3

Although 2 is possible, but 1 seems impossible at this point….

by Brendan Scolari on Oct 5, 2009 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Abosolutely #3

No way #1 is correct but #2 could be true however that would require some level of intelligence to know that you screwed up and need a cover.

by WC-Ninerhead on Oct 5, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

-Or (4)....

He’s just trying to keep Michael Crabtree’s name in the public discussion. It serves neither him nor his agent any good to sit in silence. Deion is clearly pulling some strings for Parker and Crabtree. Hopefully Goodell investigates that relationship thoroughly because if he is working for his beloved Cowboys the league needs to put away the kid gloves and come down hard on all of them. Without a firm penalty, the legitimacy of the draft process could be called into question. After Deion played in SF (for both Giants and 49ers) he has shown an almost disgust for this team. I know he was going through very difficult times mentally and he joined a hated rival, but it was like when he went to Dallas he automatically despised the Bay Area. Not every draft pick will have an “advisor” to listen to, but in the future all holdouts will be judged on how this situation works out. But I am sick of Deion and his day-time gossipy Star Jones Barbara Walters babble.

by FiveAlarmFreddy on Oct 5, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I seriously don’t trust anyone, anymore when they start talking to Michael Crabtree. Unles the 49ers or Crabtree says something to the public about the situation, I refuse to believe in the speculation.

FIRE BRUCE BOCHY NOW!!!!!!
AND TAKE BRIAN SABEAN WITH HIM!!!!!

by 49er16 on Oct 5, 2009 1:07 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

#1

by WC-Ninerhead on Oct 5, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

wake me up when he signs

A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.

by wjackalope on Oct 5, 2009 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree, agree, agree

It has to always be about Deion, whether he’s on CBS or NFLN; sitting with Mooch or Irvin.

I no longer care about the #10 pick until he speaks publicly or formally decides to sign or re-enter draft. Having said all that, I too thought about the upcoming bye week as a timing opportunity to sign. He and his supporters get two weeks of it being about him; he gets two weeks to foolishly think he’ll play in Houston; he’s certain to be joining a winner.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 5, 2009 1:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Deion Sanders is an attention whore

Has there ever been a more redundant statement?

by SoDak9er on Oct 5, 2009 1:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

by FiveAlarmFreddy on Oct 5, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And BTW,

Deion can’t hold Clements’ jock when it comes to run support. I don’t think there is a better corner in the NFL right now at that aspect of the game. Just my 2cents.

by SoDak9er on Oct 5, 2009 1:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Deion

As I recall he was dogged for being “afraid to tackle.” Clements seems to relish that aspect of the game.

by Fooch on Oct 5, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't recall that

I remember him making some really fine open-field tackles.

He seemed to not like to hit really hard, but his tackling form was so good that he didn’t need to put a whole lot of power into his hits.

by smileyman on Oct 5, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t recall that

I remember him making some really fine open-field tackles.

Deion admitted to backing off on tackles so others would take the contact instead. In the open field if he had no other option he would put his head down at dive at their ankles.

by FiveAlarmFreddy on Oct 5, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The thing about Deion was that he was so good at covering, he didn’t have to tackle, or help with run support. He took the oppositions best WR out of the game completely, and when you’re facing teams like Arizona who has Larry Fitzgerald, you take that every time.

He was a HUGE part of getting the 49ers a 5th Super Bowl title, and also in getting Dallas a title, which took it away from the 49ers that year.

Nate Clements has some balls though. I think he had a down year last year, because the team did so poorly in the beginning. Guys like him sometimes don’t play to their full potential, if the team isn’t winning. They made him the highest paid cornerback (at the time) for a reason.

What I liked about the game yesterday was a nice tackle against Steven Jackson, who’s a powerful runner and has what, 30+ lbs. on Nate. Opponents starting WR’s haven’t done a good job against the 49ers at all this year.

by aBulldog on Oct 5, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Deion leaving SF did not take away the SB title in '95

Or have you forgotten the 38-20 beat down at Texas Stadium that November? Plus they had the #1 ranked defense in the league. The Niners missed Rickey Watters more than anyone; plus being down to their thrid string FB who fumbled vs GB are the reasons.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 5, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because Deion, literally was the defintion of a shutdown corner.

Teams literally would not throw to his side of the field. He was a horible tackler but his coverage skills were unbelievable because of his recover speed. He was one of the Best corners to play the game.

Avid supporter of trading up for E Berry.
AKA.........Optimist Prime (wishing I could change my handle, thought about it.........naaaaaaaaahhhh, love me some Ronnie "no pinky" Lott)

by rlott#42 on Oct 5, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My comment was no slam of Deion's ability

I recall his entire career. It was a response to the idea that he helped take away the title from SF. I do remember most teams avoiding his side of the field. I also recall Montana and Young not fearing him and both Rice and Taylor beating him for TDs.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 5, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I haven’t watched closely this year, but in years past I have found Champ Bailey to be a superb tackler of running backs.

by snafu on Oct 5, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

While Deion was the scariest corner to throw at

I think Rod Woodson was the best CB/DB of his era. He was just about as good as Deion in man-to-man coverage, superior in run support and overall tackling. He also made the move to become a pro-bowl safety at the end of his career, while coming back from a major knee injury.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 5, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Deion was the best cornerback in the league at one point in that era.

He became the deciding factor between SF vs Dallas. Whoever had him won the battle in the NFC Championship. His worst attribute was tackling, but NO ONE wanted to throw his way plus his punt return adn kickoff return ability were unmatched. I would have to say these guys were even and there is a very slight nod to Woodson. Woodson played in the AFC when the AFC was extremely weak.

Avid supporter of trading up for E Berry.
AKA.........Optimist Prime (wishing I could change my handle, thought about it.........naaaaaaaaahhhh, love me some Ronnie "no pinky" Lott)

by rlott#42 on Oct 5, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's kind of a weak slam against Woodson

The AFC comment. He was a corner in a conference with QBs named Marino, Moon, Elway, Kelly, Esiason and Kosar. I also recall the mid 90s as a time where the entire AFC was better than the entire NFC; the problem was that SF and Dallas (and later GB) were better than everyone. The NFC was quite top heavy but the AFC had more depth. I would also argue the deciding factor statement. His team in ‘95 lost to SF and his leaving was not why SF didn’t repeat. He then won one playoff game the rest of his Dallas career, less than SF during the same span.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 5, 2009 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he played on our team that won the last of our superbowls?

Avid supporter of trading up for E Berry.
AKA.........Optimist Prime (wishing I could change my handle, thought about it.........naaaaaaaaahhhh, love me some Ronnie "no pinky" Lott)

by rlott#42 on Oct 5, 2009 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

All I'm saying is in the dimension of pass coverage Deion had no equal.

Woodson was better all around, but was most known for the Steeler corner blitz, and it was nasty. Esiason and Kosar I would not have mentioned at all. He played in the AFC North and those two weren’t surrounded with a lot of talent, and rarely did you hear that Woodson shut down one half of the field in the passing game.

Avid supporter of trading up for E Berry.
AKA.........Optimist Prime (wishing I could change my handle, thought about it.........naaaaaaaaahhhh, love me some Ronnie "no pinky" Lott)

by rlott#42 on Oct 5, 2009 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No argument about Deion's cover ability

But Woodson was a complete DB, including tackling, run support and blitzing. I think he was known for much more than the Steeler corner blitz; he was just as a good a returner as Deion as evidenced by his having more TD returns in his career. My thinking Woodson was all around better is no slam at Deion’s ability.

You’re also talking about the old AFC Central which included Houston and Warren Moon plus Esiason and Kosar were better than many QBs currently playing. The former played in a SB, the latter three AFC title games.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 5, 2009 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't agree on Kosar and Esiason

But i did say-

I would have to say these guys were even and there is a very slight nod to Woodson

Avid supporter of trading up for E Berry.
AKA.........Optimist Prime (wishing I could change my handle, thought about it.........naaaaaaaaahhhh, love me some Ronnie "no pinky" Lott)

by rlott#42 on Oct 5, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Join me on the Crabtree site if you're still up.

It’s always a pleasure bloggin with!!

Avid supporter of trading up for E Berry.
AKA.........Optimist Prime (wishing I could change my handle, thought about it.........naaaaaaaaahhhh, love me some Ronnie "no pinky" Lott)

by rlott#42 on Oct 5, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crabtree is working out in Orlando

An actual piece of news!

by bignerd on Oct 5, 2009 1:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The Question Is

Who is more reliable an unnamed league source? Or Deion Sanders? Normally you would take the named source over the unnamed one.. But with the named source being Deion i wouldn’t think that to be the case

Playoffs? Playoffs? Playoffs? Your Talking about Playoffs? Yes Sir I am!!!!!!!!!!!

by nocal81 on Oct 5, 2009 1:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

three things

1) sorry fooch…you used the wrong tense in your headline. should have been the present perfect (has been), not the present (is). he’s been an attention whore since for over 20 years now.

2) i wouldn’t dismiss what deion says in re crabtree so easily. he’s got the connections necessary to have access to reliable inside information (aka same agent).

3) a report that recent talks have not taken place is not confirmation that recent talks have not taken place. pretty sure this wouldn’t be the first time teams/agents put out misinformation to advance their interests. neither party benefits from saying they’re “in negotiations,” so i’d be surprised if either party leaked that they were. the “i’m sitting out the season” leak was more believable because it was entirely consistent with crabtree’s interests (aka getting the contract he wants).

by Florida Danny on Oct 5, 2009 1:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Funny picture

What we've got here is a failure to communicate.

by chikmagnet_565 on Oct 5, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If anything...

I think Deion’s statement, if true, would not mean anything more than Crabtree planning on signing the CURRENT contract on the table, at most. A willingness to sign does not require conversation with the 49ers at this point.

Unfortunately, we may never know if this is true. Deion’s could be passing along Crabtree’s desire to sign that, unfortunately, is subject to change at any moment. For all we know, Crabtree just got caught up in the 49ers blanking the Rams to move to 3-1, and expressed to Deion that he may want to sign.

by Quiet Fool on Oct 5, 2009 1:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

HUGE NEWS

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4534306

DOUBLE SWITCHES AND MATCH-UPS, THAT'S WHAT BRUCE BOCHY DOES!

by PAWarrior on Oct 5, 2009 1:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wheeeeeee!

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
"AT LAST I AM A PARENTS." - Buster

by jponry on Oct 5, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i was about to post something about that

but thanks for doing that PAWarrior i heard it from trey wingo from the crew at nfl primetime on espn said that Crabtree is coming to San Francisco to re-negotiate contract ;) because he was training in orlando and now is on a plane to San Fran.

by 49ersAllTheWay on Oct 5, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just saw that and headed here as well

I guess we’ll see how it shakes out.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Oct 5, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Should be simple...

Here is the contract you could have signed 4 months ago with a year added on the back end for blowing off your rookie season. Take it or leave it…

"Granted, this is not a great situation, but when all you have is lemons, you add some vodka to dull the pain..."

by Mcamp49 on Oct 5, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

NFL Primetime just said Crabtree is on his way to San Francisco to "negotiate"

All he said was it might be “Brewing”. Looks to me that he might have just known in advance that Crabtree was planning on going back to San Francisco and therefore dropped his hint. My hope that this guy might still sign with the NIners just trippled if he is indeed on his way back to Frisco.

And on the Deon as a player discussion, he was flat out the greatest cover corner ever. He was the fastest player in the league in his day and would shut down his side of the field, but was known as soft from what ive heard. He didnt like contact very much at all.

by Beatclash on Oct 5, 2009 1:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mike Sando just confirmed it on espn.com

Crabtree is flying back to San Francisco from Tampa, FL. To “reopen talks” with the 49ers.

by Beatclash on Oct 5, 2009 2:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

what percent u guys think Crabtree has of signing now that he is headed to San Fran?

I say about 60 or more percent he signs

by 49ersAllTheWay on Oct 5, 2009 2:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

90%

…and don’t comment on Deion’s tackling unless you saw him. We’re all still waiting for him to make a tackle.

by StepUp on Oct 5, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ttwo hand touch

I remember watching Sanders do what the announcer called "close to two hand touch" when he help push a RB down who was being tackled by a more "manly" teammate.

by CorneliusJ on Oct 5, 2009 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

Interesting news…

Maybe winning had something to do with it? and losing money? lol

by ZonaBacks10 on Oct 5, 2009 2:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

must be the mooooney!

by wizard5ive on Oct 5, 2009 2:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Following his successful season with the 49ers(1994), (Deion) Sanders with his agent Eugene Parker, proceeded to court numerous teams in need of an All-Pro cornerback. Several teams in the “Deion sweepstakes,” as it was coined by the media that year

Welcome to the “Crabtree Sweepstakes 2009”. These guys are an embarrassment.

by FiveAlarmFreddy on Oct 5, 2009 2:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

“Wait, the Niners are 3-1? Better jump on those contract negotiations”.

Don’t budge from the offer made, give no concessions. Penalties for each game missed. If he wants to play ball, he can play, but the Niners have a lot of leverage here.

by Rev. KB on Oct 5, 2009 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

New Thread

Given my venom spewing towards Deion, I’ve opened up a new thread based on PAWarrior’s link. Feel free to continue bashing (or not) Deion here, but we’ve got a separate thread for this afternoon’s development.

http://www.ninersnation.com/2009/10/5/1071573/michael-crabtree-traveling-to-san

by Fooch on Oct 5, 2009 2:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Deion Sanders is an attention whore...

… and this is news because …?
Duh!
I never want to see crabtree in Red and Gold. Stall on signing him till after the November deadline, then trade the fashion designer wanna-be for picks next March.

by Jabberwokky on Oct 5, 2009 2:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sanders

is an entertainer. He always has been. He’s an ex-player NFL commentator, he’s not really there to be breaking news, he’s a talking head. They all are. I am sure he said what he said because it makes good copy.

And look, it turns out that there WAS something brewing…

(crabtree comment removed and put in new crabtree thread!)

FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.

by zenbitz on Oct 5, 2009 2:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Could it be, that the Jets and other teams had been contacted by Goodell and were warned about the tampering charges, so they possibly backed off on making “secret” offers to Crabtree and now Crabtree is worried about getting a deal at all?

by aBulldog on Oct 5, 2009 2:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs