Overview
- In an email to USA TODAY, the 1990 national champion said he “tapped out” last April after Colorado retired Shedeur Sanders’ No. 2, calling it a vanity project by Deion Sanders.
- He emphasized no personal animus toward Shedeur and said his stance is unrelated to his son Caleb’s earlier transfer from Colorado to Delaware.
- In subsequent interviews, Fauria blasted Sanders’ game management and messaging, then clarified he meant to critique coaching performance rather than Sanders’ overall intelligence.
- The jersey retirements for Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, enabled by loosened criteria, have drawn objections from prominent alumni such as Darian Hagan.
- Colorado is 16-21 under Sanders after a 3-9 season in 2025, and roster churn continues with All-Big 12 tackle Jordan Seaton transferring to LSU.