During the NFL Draft, Deion Sanders has one job for the NFL Network: To grab the first on-air interview with players shortly after they’re drafted. But this year, he won’t have a face-to-face interview with two of the likely top draft picks, Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, who have elected to watch the draft at home.
It’s a decision, especially from the more-controversial Winston, that’s been met with criticism and skepticism. “I don’t think it’s weird at all,” said Sanders. “When you come to Chicago for the NFL, this is a moment that you want to share with your family. You’re talking about grandma, relatives, coaches who have been pivotal in your career.
“That’s a lot of people to take up there for several days and spend those finances, you don’t have any money. So why wouldn’t you want to spend it at home in the confines of your own home where you grew up and let the whole community join in the feelings and emotions of the draft? I applaud them.”
Melissa Stark, who covers the pre-game carpet for NFL Network said the draft will have to go on without them.
“You always want the top names and the biggest guys walking the red or in this case gold carpet and you want to be able to interview them and you want them there … ideally you want them here. But obviously they made their choice.”
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SOURCE: NINA MANDELL
USA Today: For the Win
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