Deion Sanders says personal items stolen during Jackson State coaching debut

Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders said his personal belongings were stolen from his office during his Jackson State coaching debut on Sunday.

"For one, the kids played really well," Sanders said during his postgame news conference. "But while the game was going on, someone came in and stole every darn thing I have in the coaches' office. Credit cards, wallet, watches. Thank God I had on my necklaces."

Jackson State athletic director Ashley Robinson initially told Sports Illustrated that Sanders' personal items were misplaced and recovered.

Sanders, however, disputed the school's claim in a series of tweets. The former NFL star said his assistant walked in on a man in the process of stealing the items.

"Naw it was stolen but they got it back," Sanders wrote on Twitter. "It was stolen out my personal bag in my office and my assistant caught the gentleman in the process of stealing it but she was alone. No miscommunication my man at all."

The 53-year-old Sanders went on to say the items were retrieved since being reported missing.

The university later released a statement confirming the theft.

"Immediately following our win today, several items belonging to Coach Prime were taken from the locker room," the school said in its statement Sunday night. "Those items were quickly recovered and returned. While we consider this an isolated incident, we are thoroughly reviewing security protocols to ensure this does not happen again.

"However, we refuse to let this dampen the victory for our JSU Tigers, who have worked hard for this moment. We want them to enjoy this time, as we look forward to more game-winning celebrations in the future."

Sanders, a two-time Super Bowl champion who also played Major League Baseball, is a first-time head football coach at the college level. He previously served as offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas, for three seasons.

The Tigers earned a 53-0 win over NAIA member Edward Waters in Sanders' coaching debut at Jackson State on Sunday. He announced in September that he was becoming the Tigers' next head coach.

Jackson State's game on Sunday was its first in a seven-game spring schedule that runs through April. The Tigers are scheduled to host Mississippi Valley State on Saturday to begin their Southwest Athletic Conference slate.