Can Your Coach Fine You? Understanding Your Rights as a College Athlete
When Deion Sanders introduced an “NFL-style” discipline system – including team fines for actions like being late, missing meetings, or public or social media misconduct – it sparked an important question for student-athletes navigating the increasingly professionalized world of college sports: can your coach actually fine you?
The Short Answer: No, College Coaches Generally Can’t Fine Players
At the college level, fines are not an authorized disciplinary action. Unlike professional athletes – who operate under collective bargaining agreements that allow teams to impose fines – college athletes are not (at least right now) employees under traditional labor law.
A coach does not have the legal right to take your money as punishment. Coaches can, however, enforce non-financial consequences, such as suspensions, loss of playing time, or additional team duties. These forms of discipline fall within the athletic department’s authority as part of its code of conduct and team policies.
NIL, Revenue-Sharing, and Scholarship
In the NIL and post-House era, student-athletes can earn real income, whether through third-party NIL deals or revenue-sharing payments tied to their school. In both cases, that money cannot be arbitrarily fined, withheld, or used as punishment by a coach. NIL earnings are personal income, and any attempt to take or threaten them may amount to coercion or unlawful interference under state NIL laws or school policy. Revenue-sharing compensation is governed by contracts and compliance rules, but even then, reductions must follow the terms of the agreement, not a coach’s discretion.
Scholarships are also protected. While a school can revoke or reduce an athletic scholarship for rule violations – usually after due process outlined in your agreement – a “fine” taken from your scholarship money is not permissible under NCAA financial aid rules.
What About Team Policies?
Some teams use informal “fine systems” (for example, a few dollars owed for being late or missing study hall). These setups may seem harmless, but they exist in a legal gray area. If the collected money goes toward team events or charities, it’s not technically a “fine,” but rather a voluntary team contribution. Still, you should never feel pressured to pay. Any financial penalty that’s not officially sanctioned by your athletic department could be considered improper or coercive conduct.
What To Do If You’re “Fined”
If your coach or program tries to enforce a fine or withhold your NIL earnings:
Document everything, including messages or written policies.
Contact your school’s compliance office to report the situation.
Reach out to a college athlete rights advocate or legal resource, such as the National College Players Association (NCPA).
Bottom Line
College coaches hold disciplinary power, but that power stops at your wallet. You’re protected by NCAA regulations, university policy, and increasingly, by evolving NIL and athlete rights laws.
If you are facing team fines or other financial penalties and are unsure if they are fair or allowed, you do not have to navigate it alone. Christine Brown & Partners works with college athletes to:
Review scholarship agreements, team rules, and fine policies
Explain how emerging athlete‑rights and employment cases might apply to your situation
Help you document and challenge unfair fines while protecting your eligibility and future opportunities
Advise you confidentially before you raise concerns with your school
If you have questions about team disciplinary actions or think your program has crossed a line, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.
