Deion Sanders Defends Son Shilo After Public Criticism from Reporter Mary Kay Cabot

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders recently discussed the public altercation between his son, Shilo Sanders, and Mary Kay Cabot, a reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, during an appearance on The Barbershop with Garrett Bush podcast.

"We don't talk about nobody," Deion Sanders said. "We don't do nothing to nobody. I know Shilo had a little altercation that he spoke up for his brother. You've got to understand, man, that's his brother. And God bless Mary Kay's soul, that's his brother. I mean, she said something, he said something, like media is different today. I know a lot of people don't respect the old school. I do, because I grew up in that era that we didn't have a say so. . . . But Shilo spoke up for his brother, and he was ridiculed for that."

In fairness to the facts, Shilo was ridiculed not because he spoke up but for what he said. After Cabot expressed her opinion that the Cleveland Browns should name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback "ASAP," Shilo responded, "Go make a sandwich Mary."

Shilo also criticized Cabot’s approach to reporting, stating:

"If it’s reported, it’s reported. You have facts, you have news. But when it comes to your opinion, you’ve been saying crazy things for the past — since he’s been there. So it’s like, just chill with that. Because it don’t make no sense, and it makes you look crazy like you don’t know what you’re talking about. And for all the women that actually take the time to go do their research and actually be real reporters and real journalists, then that’s gonna make them look bad, because you already know as a woman in this field of reporting football and sports, like, it’s hard. So don’t make it hard on everybody, just because you don’t feel like it."

The exchange has sparked debate over the boundaries of public criticism and personal attacks in sports journalism. While Shilo has the right to defend his brother, Shedeur Sanders, his comments drew scrutiny for their tone and content.

Deion Sanders defended his son, emphasizing familial loyalty but also acknowledging the criticism Shilo faced. He noted the challenges of modern media and the generational differences in communication styles.

Experts suggest that while defending family is understandable, public statements should be measured to avoid unnecessary backlash. The incident highlights the complexities of sports journalism and the expectations placed on reporters and public figures alike.