Stephen A. Smith Accuses NFL of Colluding Against Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected slide in the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked widespread controversy, with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith publicly comparing his situation to the alleged blackballing of Colin Kaepernick and calling it a 'disgrace.' Smith's comments fueled debate over whether Sanders was deliberately avoided by NFL teams due to personal or familial issues, including the influence of his father, Deion Sanders, and the perception that Shedeur tried to dictate draft terms. Critics of Smith’s view argue that the NFL is focused on winning and would draft any player they believed could help, regardless of background or personality, and suggest that Sanders’ drop was more about teams’ evaluation of his talent and attitude than any collusion or racism. Some reports indicate that Sanders’ pre-draft interviews were poorly received, with teams feeling he acted entitled, which may have contributed to his fall. Others, including Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy, dispute the notion of racism or collusion, noting that the first quarterback drafted was also Black and emphasizing the NFL's competitive nature. The controversy highlights broader tensions in the league regarding player conduct, ownership authority, and the influence of high-profile figures in draft outcomes.