Potential Conflict for Colorado Buffaloes’ Coach Deion Sanders

The Colorado Buffaloes will begin their season against the George Tech Yellow Jackets in just over two weeks. However, a conflict could impact head coach Deion Sanders’ availability for this game.

Brent Schrotenboer from USA Today reports that Sanders might need to testify in a bankruptcy case involving his son, Shilo Sanders. The hearings are scheduled from August 31 through September 4.

The judge acknowledged the scheduling conflict with Colorado’s season opener. He mentioned that Deion Sanders might contest the subpoena to avoid testifying at the trial.

The season kicks off for Colorado on September 3. During that week, the Buffaloes will prepare to travel for the game against Georgia Tech. Deion might not be present for some or all of the preparation sessions, and possibly the game itself.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted an alternative: Sanders could potentially avoid missing time if allowed to provide a video-recorded testimony.

Florio explained, If neither side cooperates, Deion may need to take a break from training and meetings to appear in court in Denver.

The University of Colorado has not responded to multiple media inquiries regarding this situation.

Having Deion Sanders on the sidelines for the game is crucial. The Buffaloes cannot risk a poor start. Last season, without Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, they ended with a 3-9 record. Deion Sanders faces pressure to deliver successful seasons and secure bowl wins. He extended his contract for five years, earning $54 million, last March.

Over three seasons at Colorado, Sanders has recorded a 16-21 overall record, including a 9-18 record in Big 12 games. He has achieved one bowl appearance, in the 2024 Alamo Bowl, which ended in a 36-14 loss to BYU.

Critics argue that Deion is less effective without his son Shedeur or Hunter on the team. His record stands at 36-15 when including them, and 7-12 without them.