Heading into his fourth season, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has been implementing major changes to his policies. One that stood out this offseason was a letter sent out to media outlets and journalists attending Colorado’s preseason practice on campus. Ironically, it strictly prohibited reporters and individuals from reporting anything and everything that happened at the practice.
It was the first time in the Coach Prime era in Boulder that such an invitation was extended to the media. Usually, preseason practices happen in a closed environment, with just players and coaches authorized to access the facility. But this time, it was open to the public, and free tickets were available to grab online.
Fans Take Issue with Deion Sanders’ New Media Policy
The contentious letter was mailed to reporters outlining strict guidelines before attending the practice on Aug. 11.
It explicitly stated that “nothing observed at practice may be reported, published, posted, broadcast, or otherwise shared in any form, on any platform, at any time.”
Fans and analysts were quick to point out the irony of the matter, asking why the invitation was put out in the first place if the media was not allowed to do their job.
Tony Farmer, who is the host of the “Last Men Standing” podcast, wrote, “Holy crap! I’ve never seen anything like this and my sources tell me that there are non-football reasons for it.”
Holy crap! I’ve never seen anything like this and my sources tell me that there are non-football reasons for it ‼️
Deion Sanders’ Colorado University sent this to members of the media prior to practice.
It says, “nothing observed at practice may be reported” and if so, they… pic.twitter.com/l4hzpQiefp
— Tony Farmer (@Tonysmarkettips) August 12, 2026
“What an embarrassment,” said an X user, @Vknopp40. Another fan, @sportsguy2332, mentioned, “So there’s literally no point in going.”
For Jason Scheer, a senior editor at Wildcat Authority, the invitation was more or less an insult. “Why would you even go to practice? Just close it at that point instead of insulting everybody involved,” he wrote on X.
Why would you even go to practice? Just close it at that point instead of insulting everybody involved. https://t.co/WVj6iYaGvO
— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) August 13, 2026
“Just close practice. Period. And I feel like I don’t need to point out that the reasons Colorado football is struggling have nothing to do with the media covering it,” said sportswriter Tim Fitzgerald, reacting to the letter.
Veteran writer Eric Sondheimer mocked the memo, saying, “The CIA is now running Colorado football security.”
According to a report by David Ubben of The Athletic, anyone who tried to sneak in recording devices or even notepads could face strict disciplinary action.
“Violations of these guidelines may result in removal from the facility, revocation of credentials and restriction of future access for the individual and the outlet, consistent with CU Athletics media policies,” the Colorado Athletic Department’s email to reporters read.
For Deion Sanders, the challenge ahead is far more serious. After coming off a depressing campaign with a poor 3-9 record in the 2025 season, it’s high time Colorado gets back to winning ways.
All eyes are on Coach Prime and quarterback Julian Lewis, who is expected to start for the program in Week 1 against Georgia Tech on Sept. 3, 2026, at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta.
