Deebo Samuel became the subject of some criticism in recent days after a video surfaced of him declining an autograph request from a young fan, but on Saturday he issued an explanation that shows why the criticism was much ado about nothing.
The video was filmed during Samuel's recent football camp in his home state of South Carolina. The fan approached Samuel with a football that had a 49ers logo on it, which Samuel declined to sign.
Samuel, who has been at odds with the 49ers since issuing a trade demand earlier this year, eventually started to get some heat from fans, including (per 95.7 The Game) one since-deleted tweet that read, "I get you want to be traded, but c'mon bro.. Sign the kids ball".
Samuel replied by informing Twitter that he was unable to sign personal items but every camper went home with a signed photo. Both Samuel and sports agency FlexWork Sports weighed in on the incident.
FlexWork Sports is proud of Deebo Samuel's impact in youth sports. Deebo said "To provide structure, education & motivation to youth in my home state of SC is a daily reminder dreams do come true." He was humbled to interact w/ Jeremy Lowe, sign a photo & take a picture w/ him. pic.twitter.com/IOtdUm20nI
— FlexWork Sports Mgt. (@FlexWorkSports) July 2, 2022
"Hosting a camp in my hometown this past week was a real blessing and the support was truly special," Samuel posted. "Thank you to the campers, parents, coaches, support staff, Spartanburg HS and the city of Spartanburg. I am grateful for every single one of my fans. Unfortunately with over 400 campers I wasn't able to autograph personal items, but every camper went home with a signed photo."
The person who posted the aforementioned tweet criticizing Samuel wound up posting an apology.