Colorado Buffaloes has lost another game under Deion Sanders’ regime in their Week 9 matchup against the UCLA Bruins. Now, 4-4, the team’s chances of reaching a bowl game are diminishing. This certainly doesn’t sit well with Coach Prime, so he didn’t hesitate before venting his frustration at the controversial call, which resulted in Shilo Sanders getting ejected off the field.
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Shilo Sanders’ disqualification in the first half didn’t sit well with many, including the NFL veteran Robert Griffin III. Consequently, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concern about how the current state of the game is limiting defensive players.
Robert Griffin III Expresses Disappointment as Shilo Sanders is Escorted Out for Targeting
Shilo Sanders is Coach Prime’s youngest son and the safety for the Colorado Buffaloes. When UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers found Carsen Ryan, Shilo ran straight into the running back, tackling him to the ground with his shoulder. However, it appeared that he made contact with the RB with his helmet, which led to his ejection for targeting.
NFL Veteran Robert Griffin III tweeted a clip of this incident, directly throwing shade at the call. He also had trouble understanding how football has changed so significantly that a hit like this caused Shilo’s ejection. He wrote,
“Shilo Sanders got thrown out the game for this hit that was ruled targeting. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GAME WE LOVE?”
Defenders can’t even play football anymore pic.twitter.com/P6bBTE7TVs
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 29, 2023
The decision came after Shilo’s hit against Ryan was reviewed. While this initially seemed to be in a place, it was later determined that Shilo had led with his helmet. This led the Buffs’ safety to be escorted out of the field at the end of the first half. As the team’s offensive line struggles to stay afloat except for QB Shedeur Sanders, a blow to the Defense meant a great deal to the Colorado Buffaloes’ performance.
Deion Sanders Reacts to Shilo’s Exit from the Field
Coach Prime was truly dissatisfied with the final call to escort Shilo off the field. In the half-time interview, Deion vented his frustration and demanded justice. He stated, “I can’t wait till the officials review that targeting call. I think it was horrendous.” He also mentioned that he was proud of his defense. Not only this, but he also wanted the team to give the quarterback more help than usual.
Shilo’s exit from the field was disheartening for the fans. It also sparked mixed reactions after the clip surfaced online. While some were just ‘sad’, others were pleased with the decision.
One fan was quick to point out Shilo’s mistake, commenting,
Crown of helmet hit the defenseless players helmet. Players shouldn’t be ejected for a hit like this, but it’s the rule.
— Hunter Mahan (@HunterMahan) October 29, 2023
Another fan chimed in, and playfully stated,
He lead with his helmet and drilled the defenseless receivers face mask. This has be an ejectable penalty for at least 5 years.
— TMBmedia (@PodcastTmb) October 29, 2023
A fan came in support of Shilo and wrote,
That’s just a good clean hit. Went in with his shoulder.
— Big Game Boomer (@BigGameBoomer) October 29, 2023
Yet another fan showed support, writing,
Ridiculous. Not targeting
— Tami Minnick (@tamminnick) October 29, 2023
One fan’s reaction consisted of just one word, as he wrote,
Sad!
— Mark Clayton (@ClaytonMC9) October 29, 2023
It is very much clear that RG3’s take on this situation resonated with the fans. Sanders’ assessment also holds ground, as CU’s o-line continues to struggle. However, the team still has four games left, so all is not lost just yet. Two more wins and a .500 winning percentage will ensure CU’s ball game, and that will still exceed the team’s accomplishment of the past several years.
