“You Just Want To Start Trouble?”: Shedeur Sanders Diplomatically Deflects Kevin Stefanski ‘Sabotage’ Question

Kevin Stefanski not handing the game ball to Shedeur Sanders has brought fresh controversy to the Cleveland Browns.

“You Just Want To Start Trouble?”: Shedeur Sanders Diplomatically Deflects Kevin Stefanski ‘Sabotage’ Question

Shedeur Sanders Kevin Stefanski (Image via Nick Karns/X)

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Before Shedeur Sanders won his 1st game as a rookie, there were concerns about whether he would ever play for the Cleveland Browns, after many felt that head coach Kevin Stefanski was not particularly keen about his 5th-round pick.

There were rumors that GM Andrew Berry decided to select the Colorado Buffaloes star. On the other hand, the owners, Stefanski, and other coaches were not particularly thrilled.

That became even more evident when time and again, Stefanski was non-committal when asked if Sanders was going to start, even after Dillon Gabriel entered concussion protocol.

Then there was the lack of 1st team reps, which evidently undermined the 23-year-old in his debut against the Ravens. Many felt the head coach was intentionally sabotaging Deion Sanders‘ son. When reporters had a chance, they asked the QB if he too felt that way.

So you just want to start trouble, huh?… Coach Stefanski has been coaching since I’ve got here, and he’s been doing a very great job… He tells me what I need to do on and off the field. Our relationship and everything has grown. I’m just thankful to be here.

Shedeur Sanders replied

The Browns quarterback understood where the question was going to lead him, and he carefully deflected it in the best way possible.

He knows people want to instigate him into saying something that would undermine his position. Shedeur Sanders kept it as diplomatic as possible, even though the reporter continuously probed for a reaction.

Kevin Stefanski quizzed on why he did not give the game ball to Shedeur Sanders

Another fact that angered fans was that Kevin Stefanski did not gift Shedeur Sanders the game ball after leading the team in his 1st full start. When reporters had a chance to speak with the head coach, one of them asked him about it.

Shedeur Sanders will lead Browns against 49ers
Shedeur Sanders will lead Browns against 49ers (Image via Dov Kleiman/X)

We spent time this morning as well, pointing out all of our guys and the jobs they did.

Kevin Stefanski replied

The 43-year-old did not specifically address why he did not give the game ball to his starting quarterback. The only explanation he gave was that handing the game ball to Myles Garrett, who had a monster game.

Other than that, he revealed that during their team meeting earlier, he did address Sanders and gave him his flowers for leading the team to a win in his 1st start.

It seems the head coach is also being as diplomatic and deflective as possible, considering how everyone is chomping at the chance to create negative narratives around the team and its two most scrutinized individuals.

Robert Saleh has high praise for Shedeur Sanders ahead of Week 13 clash

After delaying his decision to keep Shedeur Sanders as the starter heading into Week 13, Kevin Stefanski announced that the Texans native would indeed lead the Browns against the San Francisco 49ers.

Their defensive coordinator, and former head coach of the New York Jets, was asked about the rookie QB and if he had noticed something that justifies him staying as the Browns’ starter.

He’s a good young quarterback. He’s mobile, has a big arm, and tremendous confidence. He made a couple of really good throws against Vegas. He showed good command of the huddle and line of scrimmage. You anticipate a guy like him with his skillset and confidence to get better every week.

Robert Saleh replied

That reply might follow a similar tone, as Robert Saleh has generally praised opposing quarterbacks before a game. It might be his way of playing mind games and making them loosen up just enough for his team to take advantage.

Or, it could be genuine praise from someone who has made it a habit of deploying defenses in the best manner to go after QBs. His analysis could have led him to have such an opinion.

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