Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders Ends Interview After Reporter Calls Him by His First Name

Deion Sanders is the talk of social media after abruptly ending an interview with a reporter who continuously called him by his first name.

The former football and baseball pro, who is now the head coach of the Jackson State football team, appeared at Southwestern Athletic Conference media day on Tuesday to kick off the new season. Clarion-Ledger reporter Nick Suss spoke with Sanders, referring to him as Deion instead of “Coach,” as he requested. Sanders swiftly corrected Suss after the first instance.

“Back up a little bit. You don’t call Nick Saban ‘Nick.’ Don’t call me ‘Deion,'” the Hall of Famer instructed, referring to the University of Alabama’s head coach. Suss informed Sanders that he indeed referred to Saban as “Nick,” to which Sanders disputed.

“No, you don’t. That’s a lie. If you call Nick ‘Nick,’ you get cussed out on the spot. So don’t do that and treat me like Nick,” Sanders protested. Instead of respecting his wishes and calling him by his title, Suss snarkily replied, “OK, Deion.”

Deion Sanders deserves respect and if you don’t give it to him? He’s out. See ya. @DeionSanders @21standprime https://t.co/NEnuOJlx9m

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 21, 2021

Without saying another word, Sanders removed his headset and exited. Shortly after, Sanders addressed the situation on Twitter.

“Never walked out of media day,” he said before adding that Suss “thought it was cute” to address him the way he did.

Never walked out of media day. I prolonged my time to answer another question & the person thought it was cute to address me the way he did so I dropped the call & went to the next outlet. Please don’t allow a fool to fool u because then nobody would truly know who the fool is. https://t.co/csbTRNgJvd

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) July 20, 2021

On Wednesday, Sanders shared another message to Twitter, writing, “Respect is something that u must demand & stand for.”

Morning Word, COACH PRIME pic.twitter.com/kB9eQX2s5M

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) July 21, 2021

Suss stood by his actions, saying that he calls everyone he interviews by their first name.