As the 2024 college football rapidly season approaches, the spotlight on Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes has intensified, but for troubling reasons rather than hopeful anticipation.
A recent report by Athlon Sports has shed light on a concerning culture within the Buffaloes’ program, suggesting an environment marred by violence and disorder in the locker room.
Describing the chaotic atmosphere, a former player likened it to “a real-life Grand Theft Auto video game,” citing numerous distractions including fights, guns, and gambling.
“There are many distractions with fights, guns, and money floating around. The environment is unlike any I’ve come from before,” the former player said.
One particularly alarming incident occurred late in the 2023 season, involving safety Shilo Sanders and highly-touted recruit Cormani McClain.
According to an anonymous former player, the altercation took place after the November 4 game against Oregon State.
Shilo reportedly slapped McClain several times, provoking him to repeatedly scream, “I’m going to kill you.”
The incident allegedly left McClain visibly shaken, and his mental state deteriorated thereafter.
“After that, you could tell he wasn’t mentally there. It’s hard when the coaches you trust are calling you derogatory names on the practice field,” the former player said.
McClain, a five-star recruit ranked 14th overall in the Class of 2023 by 247 Sports, saw limited action in his freshman year, playing only 277 snaps before transferring to Florida amidst swirling controversy.
Reflecting on his departure, McClain said, “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, Deion Sanders suggested that McClain’s work ethic was lacking during his time with the Buffaloes.
“I’m always in prayer for our young men, and I want the best for them,” Sanders said. “I pray to God that he goes to a program that challenges him, holds him accountable, and develops him as a young man.”
The Athlon report also highlighted additional incidents of locker room strife.
Offensive lineman Savion Washington, now with Syracuse, and freshman tackle Jordan Seaton were reportedly involved in a fight where Seaton was pressured into “proving his manhood” before the brawl ensued.
Another incident allegedly involved wide receiver Kaleb Mathis punching quarterback Colton Allen over a gambling debt of $10,000.
These reports are not the first to raise concerns about the program’s culture.
Earlier this year, former safety Xavier Smith, who transferred to Austin Peay after the 2022 season, claimed that Deion Sanders encouraged him to leave the program after only one year.
“I was actually getting mad, like tears coming to my eyes,” Smith told The Athletic in April. “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 a public response, quarterback Shedeur Sanders dismissed Smith’s comments, posting on social media, “Ion even remember him tbh. Bro had to be very mid at best.”
Despite the negative press, Deion Sanders and his son Shedeur expressed confidence at the Big 12 Media Days.
“It’s been that since Day 1,” Sanders said about higher expectations. “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.”
The “we’re everybody’s Super Bowl” comment was echoed by Shedeur who obviously took major heat for it.
After all, Colorado had a disastrous season in 2023 and finished on a 6-game losing streak which dropped them to 4-8 overall and a last-place 1-8 finish in the final season of the Pac-12 conference.
In a world where 3,000 college football teams qualify for a bowl game it seems, Colorado wasn’t one of them.
There are also troubling reports surrounding Shilo Sanders who has been dealing with an ugly legal matter.
ESPN’s Football Power Index predicts the Buffaloes to finish with a 6-6 record this season.
Of course, predictions and projections mean absolutely nothing. Coach Prime and his sons will have their chance to silence the doubters with their play on the field.
Colorado will open the season on August 29 against North Dakota State at Folsom Field.
What are your thoughts on the disturbing report???