Deion Sanders Slammed For Telling Athletes Who Opt Out Of Upcoming Seasons ‘The Game Will Go On Without You!’

Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders Slammed For Telling Athletes Who Opt Out Of Upcoming Seasons ‘The Game Will Go On Without You!’

Former NFL standout Deion Sanders is catching a lot of heat after he posted tweets seemingly chastising athletes who have opted to not play this season as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. He took to Twitter Friday (Aug. 7) and wrote,

“All Players OPTING out in all sports PLEASE BELIEVE the game will go on without u. This is a business & don’t u EVER forget that. There’s NO ONE that’s bigger than the game itself. Only the ref,umps & officials are that important that u can’t play without them. NOT YOU! #Truth”

Deion Sanders, who is often referred to by his nickname “Prime Time,” followed up this statement with another tweet where he said he’s more concerned about the everyday person who doesn’t have the choice to opt-out despite the coronavirus crisis.

“I’m much more concerned with EVERYDAY men & woman doing what they have to do to make ends meet. Most people have NO OPTION of choosing to go to work or stay in the comfort & safety of their environment. Have u forgotten your parents & family members can’t opt out? #Truth”

His messages set Twitter ablaze and made the name of the former defensive back and former baseball outfielder a trending topic. Sherrilyn Ifill, an attorney, law professor, as well as the President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund  expressed her disappointment with Deion Sanders‘ tweet and questioned his criticism of players’ opt-out decisions:

“This is so disappointing. So, these young men and women should risk their long term health or lives because “the game will go on”? I know that you know that “the game” is not life. And life is precious, as is sound health.”

Deion responded to her tweet stating that he is very familiar with how things work in the sports world as a result of his long career in both the sports world.

“Who said they shouldn’t? I pointed out they should know it’s a business and they will play this game regardless sis. U forgot I played for 14 years huh. You read and interpret what u desire to. Only way they don’t play is without refs. That’s simple right? With or without u or me”

A number of people have taken to Twitter as well to share their thoughts on Deion‘s statements.

Allen Hurns, a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins who benched himself this week due to coronavirus concerns and his family’s health, seemed to take offense as well to Deion‘s comments and said:

“D*m you act like we said to cancel the season because we opted out. I want the season to go on & for it to be safe for all my brothers. I did what’s best for me & my situation, this ain’t got anything to do with nobody else. I’m at peace knowing I did what’s best for my family.”

Check out some more reactions to Deion‘s tweets:

What do you think about Deion Sanders’ comments? Sound off in the comments!