In a shocking turn of events at the NFL Draft, Shador Sanders, the highly-regarded quarterback and son of football legend Deion Sanders, was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, 144th overall. This staggering drop has ignited fierce debates about potential collusion and bias against the young quarterback, who was once projected as a top-tier pick.

Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN commentator, did not hold back in his assessment, labeling the situation “a damn shame” and questioning the motives behind the choices made by NFL franchises. Sanders, who threw for over 4,100 yards and 37 touchdowns last season, saw five quarterbacks chosen ahead of him, leaving many to wonder how such talent could be overlooked repeatedly.

Smith pointed to a culture of control among NFL owners, reminiscent of the treatment faced by Colin Kaepernick, suggesting that Shador’s fall was less about talent and more about sending a message. “This isn’t just football; it’s something deeper,” he declared, emphasizing that the collective decision of 32 teams to pass on Sanders was unprecedented.

Critics, including Mel Kiper Jr., voiced their disbelief, labeling the league’s evaluation process as “clueless.” Meanwhile, President Donald Trump even weighed in, tweeting about the perceived corruption within NFL ownership. Smith highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that while Shador was targeted, his father Deion had paved the way for athletes with charisma and bravado.

Despite the disappointment, Shador was seen celebrating his selection with family, and Smith reassured fans that the young quarterback would rise to the occasion in Cleveland, potentially competing for a starting role. However, the lingering question remains: how could such a talented player be so unjustly slighted? The NFL must reckon with the implications of this glaring oversight, as the spotlight continues to shine on the league’s decision-makers. This is a moment that will not soon be forgotten.