Deion Sanders settles logo lawsuit, but the ending surprises everyone

Does Deion Sanders know Buffaloes history?

Coach Prime is under fire for ignoring Colorado’s legacy.

Former Colorado quarterback Bobby Pesavento has publicly criticized Deion Sanders.

Pesavento led the Buffaloes to the 2001 Big 12 championship.

That title is the program’s last conference championship.

The criticism came after Sanders responded to a question about the 25th anniversary of that 2001 title.

Sanders offered a general reflection on Colorado’s successful years.

He did not discuss the 2001 team’s accomplishments in detail.

“I think I was a pro when they were really doing it, like really, really doing it,” Sanders said.

He also referenced his relationship with former Colorado quarterback Kordell Stewart.

Sanders and Stewart played together with the Baltimore Ravens.

Sanders did praise the Buffaloes’ traditional black-and-gold identity.

But his comments left Pesavento questioning whether the coach understands the program’s history.

Pesavento delivered his criticism on the Zero 2 Sixty podcast.

“I mean, at this point, is it surprising at all?” Pesavento said.

“Like, I mean, it sucks as a former player, right, that was part of something that was pretty special up there, that he’s not aware of what it is.”

The former quarterback argued that understanding a university’s traditions is essential for any college football coach.

“As college head coach, no matter who you are, you gotta embrace the history of wherever you’re coaching, even if you don’t have ties to that place,” Pesavento continued.

“There’s donors. There’s former players. There are fans. There’s a community that rallies around that; you have to embrace it, and he’s just doing a poor job of it.”

The criticism comes during another challenging season for Sanders.

His Buffaloes entered November with a 3-5 record.

They had just ended a five-game losing streak with a win over Kansas State.

Sanders has made restoring Colorado football’s reputation a central part of his coaching message.

But this incident suggests a disconnect with the program’s past.

The 2001 Big 12 championship remains a defining moment for Colorado football.

It was the program’s first conference title since joining the Big 12 in 1996.

The team finished the regular season 10-2 and beat Texas in the Big 12 championship game.

Pesavento was the starting quarterback that season.

He threw for over 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The championship helped establish Colorado’s football identity in the modern era.

Sanders was not connected to Colorado during that time.

He was in the NFL, playing for the Baltimore Ravens and later the Washington Redskins.

Sanders retired from the NFL after the 2005 season.

He later became a Hall of Fame cornerback and a media personality.

Sanders took over as Colorado’s head coach in December 2022.

He inherited a program that had gone 1-11 the previous season.

His first season in 2023 was a dramatic turnaround.

The Buffaloes started 3-0 and were ranked in the top 20.

They finished the season 4-8, but Sanders’ impact was undeniable.

The 2024 season saw more improvement.

Colorado went 5-7 but showed competitiveness in several games.

The 2025 season was a step forward.

The Buffaloes finished 7-5 and earned a bowl game appearance.

But the 2026 season has been a struggle.

Colorado entered November at 3-5, with several close losses.

The team’s defense has been inconsistent.

Injuries have also taken a toll.

Starting safety Naeten Mitchell is doubtful for the upcoming game against Arizona State.

Mitchell has started all eight games and played the third-most defensive snaps on the team.

His potential absence could impact the secondary.

There isn’t much depth in the defensive backfield.

Three defensive backs were dismissed from the team earlier this season.

Despite the challenges, Sanders remains a popular figure.

His recruiting has been strong.

He has brought national attention to Colorado.

But the criticism from Pesavento highlights a potential blind spot.

Sanders has often focused on the future rather than the past.

His “Prime” brand is about building something new.

But the program’s history matters to its alumni and fans.

Pesavento’s comments reflect a broader concern.

Some former players feel disconnected from the current program.

The 2001 championship team has not been formally honored by Sanders.

Sanders did recently resolve a lawsuit over his “Prime” logo.

The lawsuit was filed by graphic designer Alan Tipp.

Tipp claimed he created the P21ME and TRUTH logos in 2011.

He said he was not properly compensated.

The case was dismissed with prejudice on November 3, 2026.

Sanders posted a message on Instagram thanking Tipp for his work.

Sanders’ attorney said no money was exchanged in the settlement.

That legal issue is now resolved.

But the tension with former players may not be as easily settled.

Pesavento’s criticism is unlikely to be the last.

Other former Colorado players may share their views.