As the 2024 college football season approaches, Deion Sanders’ Colorado team is drawing significant attention—not for its on-field potential, but for reports of a troubling culture within the program.
A recent investigation by Athlon Sports has brought to light allegations of violence and dysfunction in the Buffaloes’ locker room, raising concerns about the environment surrounding the team.
According to the report, the culture within Colorado’s football program has been described by some as chaotic and volatile. A former player likened the atmosphere to a “real-life Grand Theft Auto video game,” citing distractions such as fights, weapons, and money circulating among players. “There are many distractions with fights, guns, and money floating around. The environment is unlike any I’ve come from before,” the former player stated.
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One of the most alarming incidents detailed in the report involved safety Shilo Sanders, son of head coach Deion Sanders, and five-star recruit Cormani McClain. The altercation reportedly occurred after the Buffaloes’ game against Oregon State on November 4, 2023. According to an anonymous former player, Shilo Sanders slapped McClain several times, leading McClain to repeatedly shout, “I’m going to kill you.” The incident left McClain visibly shaken and reportedly affected his mental state.
Cormani McClain, who was ranked as the No. 14 overall recruit in the Class of 2023 by 247 Sports, played only 277 snaps in his first season at Colorado before transferring to the University of Florida amid controversy. After entering the transfer portal, McClain expressed frustration with the culture at Colorado, stating, “I feel like I just don’t want to play for clicks. I actually want to be involved with a great leading program that’s going to develop players.”
In response to McClain’s departure, Deion Sanders suggested that the player’s work ethic might have been a factor in his limited success with the Buffaloes. “I’m always in prayer for our young men, and I want the best for them. I pray to God that he goes to a program that challenges him, as well as holds him accountable and develops him as a young man,” Sanders said.
The Athlon Sports report also highlighted additional instances of player conflict, including a fight between offensive lineman Savion Washington, who has since transferred to Syracuse, and five-star freshman tackle Jordan Seaton. The altercation reportedly stemmed from Seaton being pressured into “proving his manhood” before the two players engaged in a physical confrontation.
Another troubling episode involved receiver Kaleb Mathis, who allegedly punched quarterback Colton Allen over an unpaid gambling debt of more than $10,000. These incidents have raised further questions about the disciplinary standards within the program.
When asked for a comment on the allegations, the Colorado athletic department provided a brief response: “CU Athletics has no comment. We’re excited with the way the team is coming together after a week of camp and are looking forward to an excellent season under Coach Prime, starting with our game against North Dakota State on August 29 at Folsom Field.”
The report also included remarks from former Colorado safety Xavier Smith, who transferred to Austin Peay after the 2022 season. Smith recounted feeling pushed out of the program by Deion Sanders, stating, “I was actually getting mad, like tears coming to my eyes. Because, bro, you never even tried to get to know me. He was destroying guys’ confidence and belief in themselves. The way he did it, it could’ve been done with a little more compassion.”
In response to Smith’s comments, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s youngest son, dismissed Smith’s relevance to the team, writing on social media, “Ion even remember him tbh. Bro had to be very mid at best.”
Despite the negative reports, Deion Sanders and his team remained confident during the Big 12 Media Days. Addressing the high expectations placed on his program, Sanders recalled his time at Jackson State, saying, “I remember first media day when I was in HBCU [Jackson State]. I said, ‘We won’t lose a game.’ I’m undefeated in the SWAC, so I already know what the expectation comes with. I know we’re everybody’s Super Bowl.”
As the Buffaloes prepare for their second season under Sanders, they face a challenging road ahead. The team, which lost eight of its final nine games after a 3-0 start last season, will look to improve upon its performance with a revamped roster, including a nearly entirely new offensive line after allowing the second-most sacks in college football last year.
Colorado is projected to finish with a 6.3-5.8 record according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. The Buffaloes will kick off their 2024 season against North Dakota State on August 29 at Folsom Field.
Source: https://www.rvmnews.com/2024/08/deion-sanders-colorado-buffaloes-like-a-real-life-grand-theft-auto/
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