Being known for flash and flair during his playing days, some might assume that Deion Sanders would embrace a similar tolerance for flamboyance in his players as a head coach.
Well, they would be wrong.
In a speech to his players before the first day of classes at Jackson State University, Sanders let it be known that he had high standards for his young charges.
“School, we got school today, right? So I want you to listen to me clearly and succinctly,” Sanders told his team. “No slides (sandals). No slides. No armpits exposed. No wifebeaters (tank-top shirts). Sit in the front of the classroom and be the perfect gentleman because when it comes down to it, and you need help, that professor is going to recall your character and who you’ve been consistently in that class.
“No slides, no sleeveless shirts, no armpits, none of that.”
Jackson State Tigers head coach Deion Sanders directs his players during the Orange Blossom Classic game between the Florida A&M Rattlers and the Jackson State Tigers on Sunday, September 5th, 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
But the NFL Hall of Famer wasn’t done yet. Next, he made sure his players knew he expected them to be showered as well.
“Now, make sure you shower before you go to class,” Sanders instructed his players. “I don’t want to get a report that you was in some bull-junk in our apparel, representing us. Kids in the back of class making noise, he’s free-styling to the whole class while I was trying to teach it with a Jackson State football shirt on. Not going to happen. When it gets back to me, it’s going to get back to your (position) coaches first, and then it’s going to get back to me. When it gets back to me, it’s going to be a problem.”
Jackson State Tigers head coach Deion Sanders interacts with Jackson State Tigers quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during the Orange Blossom Classic game between the Florida A&M Rattlers and the Jackson State Tigers on Sunday, September 5th, 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
It might shock some to learn that kids have to be reminded to shower, but it is sadly the case. Yes, sometimes college students have late nights and early mornings that prevent them from showering before class. But there is a giant difference between the stench of Budweiser and the stench of a 300-pounder who did 47 up-downs in 98-degree weather.
These are just simply not the same things.
Sanders is holding his kids to a high standard and trying to build a culture of respect. Good for him.
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