The Backlash Faced by Shedeur Sanders and Angel Reese Amid NIL Fame..
NIL continues to pose a complex challenge for the ongoing crisis in college sports. Last week, LSU basketball standout Angel Reese exemplified the downside of NIL stardom, a scenario shared by her acquaintance, Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. In fact, there have been rumors suggesting a closer relationship between Shedeur and Angel, who undoubtedly share many similarities.
The more athletes achieve, the less accountability they often face. While Reese and Sanders have undoubtedly earned their success, their backgrounds differ significantly. Reese, raised by a single mother, contrasts with Sanders, whose upbringing by a wealthy NFL star and celebrity father affords him connections beyond Reese’s imagination.
Despite Shedeur’s advantage of having Deion Sanders as his father and coach, his journey to becoming a legitimate NFL Draft prospect and esteemed Power Four quarterback wasn’t merely a stroke of luck—it required relentless effort and dedication.
Both Reese and Sanders rake in substantial NIL income, with Reese eyeing a future in the WNBA and Shedeur on the cusp of an NFL career. Their potential as first-round picks is undeniable.
However, when youth, wealth, and fame converge, volatile situations often ensue, particularly when fueled by deliberate attempts to portray themselves as antagonists on social media and in the mainstream media.
While Reese and Sanders’ accomplishments are commendable, their provocative behavior and antics raise valid concerns. Their willingness to embrace controversial personas, albeit lucrative, is a conscious choice that draws criticism.
Last week, following LSU’s defeat to Iowa in the NCAA Women’s basketball tournament Elite Eight, Angel Reese delivered an emotional press conference, lamenting her lack of happiness since LSU’s 2023 national championship win. Reese disclosed facing hate and death threats, as well as being objectified—a situation deemed unacceptable. However, legitimate criticism of her showboating during games is warranted.
Reese’s infamous taunt directed at Caitlin Clark during the 2023 LSU-Iowa national championship game was widely condemned as classless and unnecessary. While her actions were celebrated in victory, they elicited little sympathy in defeat.
Similarly, Shedeur Sanders drew criticism for flaunting his Rolex to fans during a game against Arizona State—an act deemed gratuitous. Consequently, when Colorado squandered a 29-point lead in a shocking loss to Stanford the following week, detractors reveled in the moment.
Moreover, Sanders’ decision to skip the first team meeting of the 2024 spring for a Louis Vuitton photo shoot in Paris with his brother and teammate, Shilo Sanders, highlighted concerns about camaraderie and football leadership at Colorado. This incident underscored the perception of Colorado football as a Sanders Family enterprise, with everyone else relegated to the role of hired help.
