Deion Sanders is a fan of Johnny Manziel because he likes the former Heisman Trophy winner’s flashy ways on the field. In fact, Primetime says Manziel’s behavior reminds him of the way he used to act, and that’s a big reason why Prime is a fan. But Deion had a little bit of a problem on Wednesday when he denied saying people will have a hard time accepting Manziel because the ex-A&M QB has “ghetto tendencies,” even though the comment was caught on audio.
Sanders was a guest on “Roland Martin Reports” and spent most of the interview defending DeSean Jackson. At the end of the interview, he was asked about Manziel.
Below is a transcription of what Deion said via the Roland Martin website:
SYBIL WILKES: So before you go, Deion, what do you think about all of this talk about Roland’s boy, Johnny Football, Johnny Manzel in all of the conversation about him?
DEION SANDERS: Oh, please. I love Johnny Football. See, the reason people won’t accept Johnny Football is because Johnny Football has ghetto tendencies. I love Johnny Football.
TOM JOYNER: He’s got ghetto tendencies?
ROLAND MARTIN: He’s got ghetto tendencies? What are ghetto tendencies, Prime Time?
DEION SANDERS: Because he was successful, he made it, and he let you all know he made it, and he was cocky, he was flamboyant, and he let you know.
ROLAND MARTIN: So he was a white Prime Time coming out of college.
DEION SANDERS: Thank you. And I love him. (Laughter) I love him. They had the music playing when he came in. Put his whole equipment up, who go out there all do your pro day with all your equipment on? (Laughter) That’s some hula stuff, I love Johnny Football.
They even posted the audio on their website (skip to the 6:27 mark to hear it):
Sanders’ point was understandable, but the phrasing “ghetto tendencies” is more than questionable.
Now here’s where the fun begins. Our friend Rob Littal at Black Sports Online says someone from Roland’s program sent him the audio clip along with the headline that Manziel has “ghetto tendencies” in an effort to receive more coverage and publicity for the story. One of Rob’s writers, Vashti Hurt, posted the story on their site, and Rob tweeted out the link. Someone showed the link to Sanders, who flipped out and denied saying what he said:
@sags024l @BlkSportsOnline Never said that! That's a lie. Truth
— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) April 3, 2014
@BlkSportsOnline Stop lying man. Never said that.
— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) April 3, 2014
Unfortunately for Deion, the Roland program posted the audio clip on their site and transcribed all the comments, so everyone could hear and see exactly what Deion said. And there’s no denying that Deion said Manziel had “ghetto tendencies.”
Deion never apologized for denying making those comments, but that’s not too surprising. Would you expect him to admit where he was wrong?
