Following Jackson State’s 26-12 victory over Alabama State in October 2022 in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup, there was a tense encounter between Tigers head coach Deion Sanders and Hornets head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. at the center of the field.
As Sanders attempted to embrace Robinson after a brief handshake, Robinson extended his arm and distanced himself from Sanders, leaving Coach Prime standing at midfield with his palms turned upward. This caught the attention of the fans and created some frenzy in the media.
Robinson subsequently clarified his actions, saying he found it disrespectful for Sanders to execute a hitch-and-go play when Jackson State was already ahead 26-12 with just a minute remaining on the clock.
On an episode of “The Wild Card” podcast following the game, Robinson said Sanders had shown disrespect in the lead-up as well. He noted that Sanders had ignored him prior to the game.
“We did not talk in the pregame. I was out there the whole time at the 50-yard line. He walked through our whole huddle in our endzone. He came the long way around to get to his side of the field in pregame. I thought that was not classy at all."
He further claimed that the former Dallas Cowboys cornerback did not represent the values of SWAC despite his brilliant job with Jackson State. Robinson added that a hug was the last thing on his mind after the events that had unfolded.
“I’m living on the coaches in the SWAC,” Robinson said. “He ain’t SWAC. I’m SWAC. So, he’s in the conference doing a great job. I can’t knock that, got a great team. … But you're not about to come here and disrespect me, and my team and my school and then want a bro hug."
Deion Sanders’ response to Eddie Robinson Jr.
In response to Eddie Robinson Jr.’s statement, Deion Sanders attended a Tigers team meeting wearing a specially designed hoodie the following week. The front of the hoodie featured the words “Who is SWAC!?!” while the back of the sweatshirt boldly proclaimed “I am SWAC!!”
Prior to sending a message with his hoodie, Sanders disagreed with the accusation of being disrespectful to Alabama State. He explained that his inability to speak with Robinson was due to Jackson State’s late arrival at the game, caused by traffic issues.
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