NBA Hall of Famer defends Deion Sanders says white coaches never criticized for "Shine"

The Buffs have been called Black America's team mostly due to Sanders' influence on culture

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Deion Sanders has heard it all when it comes to people having an opinion about his swagger. He dealt with the criticism during his Hall of Fame career in the NFL and it continues throughout his journey in the coaching ranks.

A Hall-of-Famer who has always kept it real is George Karl. The former NBA coach is tired of people trying to conceal or "sugar-coat" their feelings when it comes to Sanders. He recently let it be known on social media that race plays a factor into the bias some people have toward Coach Prime.

"When has there ever been a white coach criticized for having too much shine or being too confident? Never! Keep doing you, Deion Sanders"

When has there ever been a white coach criticized for having too much shine or being too confident? Never!

Keep doing u @DeionSanders. pic.twitter.com/o7718GIqJr

— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) September 28, 2023

Karl knows what it's like to hear the outside noise of racial bias. He had Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton in Seattle in the mid-90s when both NBA legends where called "flashy" and "over-the-top." It was the same case with Carmelo Anthony in Denver over a decade later.

The Buffs have been called Black America's team mostly due to Sanders' influence on culture. It's hard to deny Prime's reach to the inner cities and was even noticed by FOX's Skip Bayless. Not since the Los Angeles Raiders of the 80s or Michigan's men's basketball team The Fab Five of the 90s has a team captivated Black America and hip-hop culture like the Buffs have so far.

Colorado will look to upset 8th-ranked USC on Saturday. A FOX Big Noon Kickoff feature from Boulder.