Colorado’s head football coach, Deion Sanders, has introduced a new system of fines aimed at enforcing team discipline among the Buffaloes for the 2026 season. During the team’s first meeting on March 1, 2024, Sanders outlined specific expectations for player conduct, which include monetary penalties for various violations.
The fines are structured to address tardiness and absence from practices, meetings, and workouts. Players will face a penalty of $500 for being late to practice and $2,500 for missing a session altogether. Other infractions include fines of $400 for arriving late to meetings or film sessions, and $2,000 for failing to show up. Similar penalties apply to strength and conditioning workouts, with fines of $1,000 for lateness and $1,500 for no-shows. Additionally, fines for treatment sessions are set at $1,000 for being late and $1,500 for absences.
A more comprehensive scale of fines exists for violations of team rules, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the severity. Players may also incur fines from $2,000 to $5,000 for misconduct on social media. Other penalties include $3,000 for damaging university property and $1,000 for losing team equipment, in addition to the cost of replacement. Misuse or destruction of athletic training equipment can result in fines between $500 and $2,000.
In response to concerns regarding the fairness of the fine system, Sanders noted that there will be an appeal process available to players. While student-athletes are not classified as employees, a source from BuffZone indicated that the fines are permissible as they do not relate to name, image, or likeness (NIL) agreements, nor are they tied to on-field performance. Such systems are reportedly not unique to Colorado, with other collegiate programs implementing similar measures.
The revenue generated from these fines will be allocated to the operating funds of the Colorado athletic department.
New Coaching Addition
In related news, Deion Sanders has also appointed Aaron Fletcher as the new cornerbacks coach for the Buffaloes. Rather than replacing anyone, Fletcher will collaborate with Kevin Mathis, who will transition to coaching nickel backs and serving as the defensive pass game coordinator.
Fletcher joins the Buffaloes after serving as the co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach at Abilene Christian in 2024. His coaching experience includes previous roles at Arizona State in 2022, Missouri in 2021, and several seasons at Tulsa and Houston Baptist. Additionally, Fletcher has experience as a defensive analyst at the University of Mississippi and has interned at NFL training camps with the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos.
With these changes, Deion Sanders aims to instill discipline and enhance the competitiveness of the CU Buffs as they prepare for the upcoming season.
