Deion Sanders is clearing up reports that he offered critics $50,000 to stop talking about him, insisting the whole situation was nothing more than a joke.

During a press conference Tuesday (Oct. 27), the Colorado Buffaloes head coach addressed allegations that he offered media personalities money to go an entire year without mentioning his name. According to ESPN , Sanders dismissed the story and explained that his comments were meant to poke fun at people who benefit from discussing him.

"I would never offer a man money. I don't give a darn what you say about me. That was really a joke about someone prospering off of your name and your brand," Sanders said.

"I'm unapologetic about things I say and how I live my life," he added.

The controversy began after Sanders' longtime videographer, Christopher "Uncle Neely" Neely, discussed the alleged offer on BuffBoys Live .

Sanders also tweeted in response to a report about the offer.

“This is a lie but God bless u all,” he wrote.…