Syracuse’s Fran Brown Criticizes NCAA’s Rejection of Deion Sanders’ Spring Game Proposal
Syracuse coach Fran Brown didn’t hold back in his response to the FBS Oversight Committee’s rejection of a proposal by Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes for spring activities. The two teams had requested waivers to hold joint practices and a scrimmage together.
Both Brown and Sanders have been rising stars in college football, revitalizing their respective programs and leading successful 2024 seasons. They aimed to further their teams’ growth with joint practices and a nationally televised scrimmage this spring, but the FBS Oversight Committee stepped in last Friday to reject their request.
Fran Brown jokes on the NCAA not allowing Syracuse and Colorado to hold a joint spring game:
"We should have just told Coach Belichick and Bill O'Brien to come up with it. You know damn well they weren't about to allow Coach Prime and Fran Brown to be the first two guys to do… pic.twitter.com/ZQEsqSgBie
— Ashley Wenskoski (@AshleyWenskTV) April 1, 2025
Brown, known for speaking his mind, didn’t hesitate to express his frustration following a practice on Monday, referencing fellow coaches Bill Belichick of North Carolina and Bill O’Brien of Boston College.
“We should have just let Coach Belichick and Bill O’Brien come up with it,” Brown remarked. “You know damn well they weren’t going to let Coach Prime and Fran Brown be the first to do it. Over their dead bodies.”
Brown’s comment could have sparked controversy within NCAA circles, so he quickly clarified his intentions. “I’m just messing with you, NCAA,” he said. “Don’t get all mad, don’t call my AD trying to fine me. I’m literally joking.”
While the concept of intersquad spring activities was considered groundbreaking, FBS officials deemed it impractical due to the late timing of the proposal and concerns over unequal access. Brown acknowledged the committee’s reasoning but emphasized that the attention he and Sanders brought to the idea might pave the way for similar activities in the future.
“I think they’re heading in the right direction,” Brown said. “They had all the right reasons. It wouldn’t have given everyone the same opportunity. It would have been a bit of an advantage.”
Leave a Reply