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Friday, August 22, 1997

There's a new 'peace' in Deion's puzzle

By MIKE BALDWIN

The Daily Oklahoman

IRVING, Texas - Move over, Reggie White, there's a new minister of defense.

Instead of going by "Prime Time," maybe Deion Sanders should consider changing his moniker to "Prayer Time." That was the Dallas Cowboys cornerback's message Thursday afternoon during a 20-minute press conference at Valley Ranch.

The attire was the same. Sanders wore a bright teal, double-breasted suit and his customary assortment of gold jewelry. The noticeable change was a diamond-studded, gold cross has replaced the gold No. 21 necklace. Sanders, though, said the biggest change has come within.

Despite recent back ailments, Sanders plans to play in the Dallas Cowboys' opener Aug. 31 at Pittsburgh. He also plans to play the remainder of the season with the Cincinnati Reds. But baseball, football and his physical condition were side issues. After talking to teammates and coaches at practice, Sanders primarily spoke of finding God.

"I have peace in my life. I thought all my life that I could find peace in money, I could find peace in Delilah and Jezebel, I could find peace in football and baseball," Sanders said. "But I never found peace. Now I have peace with God."

Sanders' reference to two wicked biblical women was a microcosm of his message. Sanders said he doesn't smoke or drink, but admitted he "fornicated" on his wife, one reason she filed for divorce last spring, something he labeled a blessing in disguise.

"I was alone for the first time in my life, not having my wife and kids there," Sanders said. "I was alone, I mean alone. It was the first time I had a chance to look at myself and look within myself. I was doing bad things, having sex outside my marriage. This ain't right."

When he was reminded that some teammates live similar lifestyles, Sanders said he doesn't condone such actions but would not condemn teammates. Asked about his nightclub, "Prime Time 21," Sanders said he will add a Christian night in which he will bring in gospel singers.

Sanders' long-term aspiration is to become a pastor. Once he has "grounded his faith," he will evangelize. Sanders recently testified in a Cincinnati church and plans to testify Sunday at an Atlanta church. For now, he will spread the word through sports similar to White, Green Bay's Pro Bowl defensive end.

"I am Deion Sanders. I am 'Prime Time.' The words I speak go a long way, to places pastors, ministers and bishops can't go," Sanders said. "Reggie has touched some people, but I feel like I really can touch some people."

Since Sanders is best known for his Hollywood-like flamboyance, a few reporters questioned his recent conversion.

"You may think this is not real. This isn't a game," Sanders said. "I found God at the pinnacle of my career. I didn't have to go through a tragic loss, or be on drugs, or alcohol, or be broke."

Religion wasn't the only topic. Sanders, 30, also discussed his ailing back. Last week, he visited California back specialist Robert Watkins who recommended the outfielder/cornerback rest his back.

"I honestly feel I'll be able to play (in Pittsburgh)," Sanders said. "I just hope to be healthy enough to perform at the level I'm accustomed to performing ...The priority is making sure Deion is healthy so he can serve both teams."

Sanders has received two steroid injections the past two weeks after experiencing back pain and numbness in his right leg. The second injection was Monday. Sanders will rest the next two days and do some light running Saturday and Monday to determine if he'll play baseball next week.

"When he walked out here he said, 'Don't fear, Deion's here,' " said coach Barry Switzer. "A guy that can swing a bat and steal bases, I think can play football. He just wants to make sure he's ready to play both."

In addition to playing cornerback, Sanders indicated he will also return some punts.

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)