Social media feuds and alleged NIL disputes have cast a shadow over the Colorado Buffaloes football team, as quarterback Shedeur Sanders and former walk-on Gavin Kuld exchange barbs after Kuld's transfer.
The once-harmonious atmosphere surrounding the Colorado Buffaloes football program has been shattered by a series of social media feuds and alleged NIL disputes. The latest flashpoint in the drama erupted between quarterback Shedeur Sanders and former walk-on Gavin Kuld.
Kuld, who entered the transfer portal two weeks ago, sparked the controversy with an interview to "MagDogTV" in which he expressed dissatisfaction with Sanders' use of his NIL money. Sanders swiftly responded on X, claiming to have taken the high road but issuing a thinly veiled threat.
"I learned sometimes you have to take the high road. @GKuld I'll spare you only this 1 time," Sanders wrote.
Later, Sanders appeared to target the media, accusing outlets of interviewing departing players solely to cast a negative light on the program. This accusation stems from previous interviews with players who have criticized Coach Prime's roster overhaul.
Former defensive back Xavier Smith told The Athletic that Sanders had advised him to enter the transfer portal rather than waste a year trying to earn a spot on the team. Smith's emotional response to the conversation raised questions about Sanders' leadership style.
The social media spats have exacerbated the chaotic situation surrounding the Buffaloes. After a promising start to the season with an upset victory over TCU, Colorado finished with a disappointing 4-8 record.
Sanders, a highly touted recruit who transferred from Jackson State along with his father, Deion, has been a focal point of the program's recent turmoil. His handling of the roster overhaul and his alleged use of NIL for personal gain have drawn criticism.
The transfer portal drama has also highlighted the complexities of college athletics in the NIL era. Players are increasingly able to leverage their NIL earnings for personal benefit, but it remains unclear how this newfound power will impact team dynamics and the overall integrity of the sport.
As the Colorado Buffaloes prepare for the upcoming season, they will need to navigate the fallout from these controversies. The social media feuds and alleged NIL disputes have created a fractured environment that could hinder the team's ability to achieve success on the field.
Coach Prime will need to find a way to restore unity and focus within the program. He must also address the concerns raised by departing players and create a more transparent NIL policy that aligns with the university's values.
Until these issues are resolved, the Colorado Buffaloes football program will continue to be a hotbed of drama and uncertainty. The once-optimistic atmosphere has been replaced by a cloud of suspicion and division, making it difficult for the team to make the necessary strides to compete at a high level.
