Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders sparked a “code switching” debate on Twitter after telling JSU TV reporter Rob Jay to ask him questions using his “normal” voice.
When Jay explained that he was just trying to be professional, Sanders asked him who he was trying to impress, disapproving of the interviewer’s second and third attempts.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer then snatched the microphone from Jay’s hands to explain how he should speak.
“You was not talking like that just two minutes ago,” Sanders said. “I just want you to be you.”
Clearly annoyed, Jay finally switched up his tone, but not before looking directly at the camera with a stare sure to become a meme.
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What is code switching?
Sanders, 55, has previously been part of the media and he never tried to become somebody different.
He and Jay have built rapport during his time as the Tigers head coach, so there’s likely no hard feelings.
The awkward interview, however, has brought up a “code switching” debate on Twitter.
Code switching is “the practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation.”
It occurs everywhere in society, but has recently been used to describe when a Black person seemingly speaks differently in a formal setting.
Deion Sanders keeps going viral
During the interview, Sanders was wearing a sweatshirt reading, “Who is SWAC,” referencing the incident he had with Alabama State coach Eddie Robinson.
The back of the sweatshirt says, “I am SWAC.” SWAC stands for Southwestern Athletic Conference.
After a recent game between Jackson State and Alabama, Robinson pushed Sanders while shaking hands.
The moment went viral and continues to be a topic of conversation.
Sanders and JSU TV reporter Jay, meanwhile, let their awkward conversation behind with a more pleasent memory.
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