Abstract: In one example a tape deflector assembly for use within a media drive is provided. The tape deflector assembly includes a tape deflector operable to selectively move and deflect a tape path away from a transducer head (e.g., to accommodate the passage of a leader and buckle mechanism thereby). The tape deflector includes a rotatable element operable to rotate in response to contact with an object (e.g., a leader or data storage tape) moving relative to the rotatable element. In one example, the tape deflector includes a movable arm, and the rotatable element is disposed at a distal end of the movable arm. The movable arm may rotate and/or translate to position the rotatable element and deflect the tape path. The assembly may further include a resilient member associated with the movable arm such as a spring loaded mechanism associated with the tape deflector.