Ever since ON3 Recruits’ fan favorite on-air talent, Philip Dukes, announced his exit from the media company, many have been left stunned by the news. Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has also expressed his bafflement over why the network decided to part ways with the recruiting analyst/host.
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“What’s really going on? My man @DukestheScoop is a free agent I just heard,” Sanders wrote on X. He also urged other sports networks to consider hiring the on-air talent, while inquiring why ON3 decided to let him go.
What’s really going on? My man @DukestheScoop is a free agent I just heard. This young brother is truly talented, smart, relational & will work his butt off. Networks & media outlets please check him out. @On3sports what’s really going on ? God bless u my brother. #CoachPrime
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) October 31, 2024
Much to everyone’s surprise, Shannon Terry, On3’s Founder and CEO, gave a hostile reply to Coach Prime’s tweet. In a rather passive-aggressive tone, he asked Sanders to not meddle in his business.
He also clarified the exit of Dukes by noting that he had a fruitful talk with him before signing off on his release. Terry argued that the decision was best for both parties, adding that Deion didn’t need to worry. Especially since ON3 is doing well and has a plan.
Coach @DeionSanders, with all due respect, as my mother and father told me growing up, “mind your own plate.” Dukes and I had a great conversation this morning about what was best for On3 and his career. We are good and have a plan. https://t.co/lyr8p7e9u3
— Shannon Terry (@ShannonTerry) October 31, 2024
Replying to a legend like Deion Sanders with such hostility when he had no ill intentions is very disrespectful. So, it was no surprise to see Coach Prime’s eldest son, Deion Sanders Jr., take to X to send warning shots toward Terry. “Watch your tone,” warned Sanders Jr.
Just watch your tone https://t.co/mxAi0U4mKX
— Deion Sanders Jr (@DeionSandersJr) October 31, 2024
Few might agree with Shannon Terry that this is not Coach Prime’s business. However, when one introspects on the entire situation, things aren’t as black and white as they seem.
Was Philips Dukes unfairly fired?
For many Colorado Buffs supporters, Philips Dukes was one of their favorite reporters because of the high praise he had for their team and their personnel.
As per internet sleuths, however, this was the beginning of the end of Dukes’ ON3 career. Fans reportedly started bombarding his YouTube videos, praising him for his work, but at the same time, discrediting his organization for being overly critical of Sanders & Co.
The final nail in the coffin apparently came during Dukes’ latest media appearance, where he revealed that he received a private tour of the Buffs’ facilities. This naturally led him to shower even more praise on Coach Sanders and the team.
However, when asked about his visit, Dukes remained strictly professional and tight-lipped. Cut to an hour later, and Shannon Terry’s company bid adieu to Dukes.
“The beginning of the end”
The moment On3 wanted ACCESS to get into the Colorado Buffs program!
Wiltfong: “Yeah, Dukes, who did you have showing you around?!”
Duke Scoop: “Uh, I really can’t tell you!”
One hour later:
ON3: “Goodbye, Dukes!”#newday #private… pic.twitter.com/sg7PJEsttb
— Big_Mike (@Street_Gamez22) November 1, 2024
While this is all fan speculation at this point, it’s interesting to note that there is so much smoke about Dukes’ pro-Sanders voice being the reason for his ouster at ON3.
So far, we have no clarity from both sides on the exact reason why they decided to part ways. But based on Shannon Terry’s aggressive reply to Deion Sanders, it wouldn’t be a shocker to say that the organization might have gotten tired of Dukes being the black sheep of the organization.
As several fans noted, he was on a different wavelength from his peers at ON3.
