Has Deion Sanders lost all credibility as an NFL Network analyst after two recent controversies? Not yet, but Sanders must be more cautious and more forthright with viewers.

Controversy No. 1: Sanders drew criticism when Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant was declared ineligible because he lied about their relationship. Sanders said Bryant visited his home, but he didn't give Bryant gifts or money.

"I don't need to make money off a child," Sanders said.

The lesson here: If Sanders mentors a player, he should disclose it, on the air, before discussing that player. If a player is a close friend, Sanders should disclose that, too, before praising that player. And he needs to tell his employers about his relationships with college players so they aren't surprised if another Bryant-type incident occurs.

"He does have a job with NFL Network and he has to be careful of any conflict of interests," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "That has been made very clear to Deion."

Controversy No. 2: Sanders came under scrutiny for reporting that two teams expressed interest in trading for Michael Crabtree during his contract impasse with the 49ers. That prompted an NFL investigation into tampering.

Sanders later said he got the tip about Crabtree from Eugene Parker, Crabtree's agent and Sanders' longtime agent and friend. But before Crabtree signed with the 49ers, Sanders' claims that Crabtree could get twice as much money from another team seemed highly suspicious.

Sanders should have disclosed initially that the tip came from Parker, or he should have tried to corroborate it. Sanders' defense of Crabtree left the impression he was a mouthpiece for Parker. Sanders has denied rumors he's steering players toward Parker.

Sanders isn't the only analyst who mentors or advises players. NBC's Tony Dungy continues to advise Michael Vick. The difference is Dungy never has been tinged by controversy and was up front about his relationship with Vick from the outset.

AROUND THE DIAL

CBS' inability to explain ace Vikings DB Antoine Winfield's departure against Baltimore was the latest example why the network is remiss in not having sideline reporters.

— While ESPN's Jon Gruden sometimes seems too eager to praise, Ron Jaworski has a more critical eye and offers more insight as a result. One example: Gruden praised Miami's Chad Henne for a "nice job on a check-down." But on the same play, Jaworski smartly noted, "He had a chance for a long downfield throw but went to the check-down too soon."

— Odd that class clown Terry Bradshaw — of all people — ripped Titans coach Jeff Fisher for good-naturedly donning a Peyton Manning jersey at a charity function. ... Charley Casserly's segment is the highlight on CBS' pregame show. In Week Seven, he broke down tape showing how Jason Campbell "doesn't trust what his eyes see."

Barry Jackson covers sports media for the Miami Herald. 

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