"You might want to take your degree back": Paul Finebaum clashes with Stephen A. Smith for defending Deion Sanders' NIL comments

Paul Finebaum and Steven A. Smith enaged in a heated debate on Wednesday over Deion Sanders’ comment on the media’s reaction to NIL. The Colorado coach said on Tuesday that reporters are jealous of the money college football players now make.

In their appearance on “First Take” on Wednesday, Steven A. Smith attempted to defend Deion Sanders but that didn’t go well with Paul Finebaum. It led to the veteran journalist going against his colleague in a heated argument.

“Stephen A. when you go to your alma mater on Friday, you might want to take your degree back,” Finebaum said. “I’ve always had great respect for you as a journalist, and I still do, but you’re going through some unbelievable lengths breaking your back trying to make a case for Deion Sanders.”

Paul Finebaum criticizes Deion Sanders for his NIL comment

Paul Finebaum can’t find any justification for Deion Sanders' words against the media in reaction to NIL. The media played a significant role in seeing college athletes get rewarded for their efforts in the landscape. This made Finebaum hit out at the Pro Football Hall of Famer.

“It’s really unbecoming of somebody of his stature and status. He knows that’s not true,” Finebaum said.

“For him to say that is just really specious. It’s baseless and quite frankly it looks to me like he is living in an alternative universe because that is simply not true…I think it’s desperation and it’s entirely spineless of him to attack the media who has not even attacked his players.”

Sanders appears ready to take on the media since he came under fire after Colorado banned a Denver Post columnist from asking the coach questions. He’s been on the offensive in his press conference session, leading to further scrutiny of the Buffaloes.

What did Deion Sanders say about the media's reaction to NIL

During his press conference session on Wednesday, Deion Sanders said the way the media handles college football players has evolved. The coach sees a situation where players are now scrutinized because of what they earn, which is borne out of jealousy.

“The landscape has changed in football,” Sanders said. “Once upon a time, you guys never attacked college players. Now they’re making more money than y’all.”

“And some of y’all are envious and jealous about that, so you’re on the attack. It was hands-off for a college player because he’s an amateur. You remember that guys? Now it’s hands-on, go at them, any kind of way you want,

The coach has received criticism for his comment across the college football world, creating further controversy around his program. It is to be seen how Colorado manages the pressure that is bound to come with the amount of controversies it’s dealing with.