Former Port Authority Delivers Honest Verdict on Coach Prime’s Fishing Arrest
Coach Prime, aka Deion Sanders, is well-known for his love of fishing. A hobby that typically offers tranquility and a break from the hustle of football. However, this beloved pastime once landed him in hot water with the law, a tale he recently recounted on the FULL SEND Podcast.
During this interview, Sanders relived an incident from 1996 when he was with the Dallas Cowboys. He shared how a simple fishing trip with a friend turned into an arrest for trespassing at a restricted lake near an airport in Fort Myers, Florida. Sanders described a picturesque day of fishing, reeling in “catches left and right” from his two-man boat, completely unaware of the trouble looming.
When confronted by the police, Sanders said his response was calm and collected: “I might as well enjoy myself.” Over two decades later, the story remains a hot topic, prompting former port authority officials to weigh in with their own perspectives, adding layers to the narrative that Sanders left out.
Former port authority official, Mr. Bert, provided a different angle in a recent YouTube video posted on May 12th. He dissected Sanders’ recount, emphasizing that the location Sanders described as an isolated fishing spot was far from it. “There was a lot of truth behind what I heard him say, but he left some details out… you don’t just find that road, man. You know that he’s a local, he knows,” Bert asserted. He painted a picture of a heavily restricted area, likening it to Area 51 with numerous “No Trespassing” signs.
Mr. Bert further elaborated on the security of the location, highlighting the presence of FAA towers in the vicinity. He suggested that Sanders’ fishing activities were more conspicuous than Sanders seemed to realize. “You know when they’re up in there. Somebody could be sipping a cup of coffee, and looking out the window and going, ‘Hey, what the hell is that, a vehicle down by the lake?’ And then, next thing you know, you’re dispatched,” Bert explained.
The fallout was swift. Sanders was arrested and taken to jail, just five minutes from his home, for catching ten fish from the restricted lake. The incident led to a hefty fine, adding a notable blemish to an otherwise idyllic fishing trip.
The Chicago Tribune’s 1996 report stated Sanders faced a first-degree misdemeanor charge, which carried potential jail time and a $1,000 fine. The incident was a significant departure from the usual calm associated with his fishing excursions.
Fast forward to 2024, Coach Prime has traded in risky fishing trips for the task of building a competitive roster at the University of Colorado (CU). The transition from a legendary NFL player to a college coach hasn’t been smooth sailing. The spring portal has been particularly challenging for Colorado, with numerous players entering the transfer portal.
In a candid moment on The Pre-Game Network Show, Sanders took full responsibility for the team’s struggles, saying, “Now there are some that you can try all you want man, and that’s on us because we messed up, okay?” His accountability reflects his leadership and commitment to transforming CU’s football program, showcasing a different side of Coach Prime, one that prioritizes growth and responsibility over past misadventures.
This stark contrast from his rebellious fishing days to his current role highlights the evolution of Sanders. It’s a journey from a carefree NFL star, who once casually brushed off law enforcement, to a dedicated coach, owning up to his and his team’s shortcomings while striving for improvement.
