Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has introduced a system of financial penalties for players who violate team rules. During the first team meeting for the 2026 season, held on March 1, 2024, Sanders outlined his expectations for player conduct and detailed the fines associated with specific infractions.
Players will face significant financial penalties for a range of violations. Being late to practice will incur a fine of $500, while a no-show will cost $2,500. Similar fines apply to meetings and film sessions, with being late costing $400 and missing a session resulting in a $2,000 penalty. Strength and conditioning workouts carry fines of $1,000 for lateness and $1,500 for absences. Treatment sessions will see fines of $1,000 for tardiness and $1,500 for no-shows. Violations of team rules could result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on severity.
Public or social media misconduct will also be penalized, with fines set between $2,000 and $5,000. Additionally, the team will impose fines for damaging university or team property, which will total $3,000 plus repair costs, while losing team technology or equipment will incur a $1,000 fine plus replacement costs. Misuse or destruction of athletic training equipment will be penalized with fines between $500 and $2,000.
Sanders emphasized that there will be an appeal process for players who feel they have been unjustly fined. A source from BuffZone clarified that while student-athletes are not classified as employees, imposing fines is permissible because they are not tied to name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements or on-field performance. The source noted that many other programs across the country have similar systems in place.
The revenue generated from these fines will be directed to the operating funds of the University of Colorado’s athletic department.
In addition to implementing disciplinary measures, Sanders announced the hiring of Aaron Fletcher as the new cornerbacks coach for the Buffaloes. Fletcher will not replace anyone but will work alongside Kevin Mathis, the team’s cornerbacks coach for the past three years. Mathis will now focus on nickel backs and serve as the defensive pass game coordinator.
Fletcher brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach at Abilene Christian in 2024. His coaching background includes positions at Arizona State in 2022, Missouri in 2021, and Tulsa from 2015 to 2020. He also worked at Houston Baptist from 2012 to 2014 and spent time as a defensive analyst at the University of Mississippi in 2023, as well as undergoing training camp internships with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos.
As the Buffaloes gear up for the upcoming season, Sanders’ strict enforcement of team rules and the strategic hiring of coaching staff highlight his commitment to building a disciplined and competitive program.
