Throughout Colorado’s come-from-behind win over Colorado State in Week 3, star extensive receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter was knocked out of the sport by Colorado State security Henry Blackburn. The animosity between the rival faculties was already turned as much as a thousand coming into recreation after Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell took some photographs at “Coach Prime” Deion Sanders in an interview. Hunter’s harm made issues much more heated.
The fallout from the hit and the next harm has been blown far out of proportion. Blackburn was flagged for the play, however many had been asking for him to be suspended for not solely the subsequent Rams recreation, however the remainder of the season. It has additionally been reported that Blackburn had acquired dying threats on social media due to the hit, which sparked a response from Sanders at Tuesday’s press convention.
“I forgive him,” Sanders stated. “Our staff forgives him. Travis Hunter has forgiven him. Let’s transfer on. That child doesn’t deserve that.”
Gamers from each groups had been jawing at one another earlier than the sport, and the animosities boiled over when the ball was kicked off. Late within the first quarter of the sport, Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders threw a go path to Hunter that fell incomplete, however after the ball was lifeless, Blackburn hit Hunter within the chest, knocking him out of the sport. Colorado would find yourself profitable in double additional time, however after the sport Hunter was recognized with a lacerated kidney and would miss the Buffaloes’ subsequent three to 4 video games.
Hunter at the moment is recovering from the harm at dwelling, however he additionally spoke in regards to the hit on a livestream he hosted.
Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter on Henry Blackburn’s unlawful hit on him: “He did what he is purported to do. It is soccer.”
Blackburn’s hit lacerated Hunter’s liver, and he stated it is cool.
That is that Heisman discuss. pic.twitter.com/KGe5TGdk9H
— RJ Younger (@RJ_Young) September 19, 2023
It’s a really stylish act by each Hunter and Sanders, but additionally an indication that folks would possibly’ve taken the hit and subsequent fallout too far. Blackburn was within the flawed, sure, however sending dying threats to a participant is crossing a line, even for those who deem the hit soiled. Receiving dying threats over a soccer recreation isn’t what faculty soccer is meant to be about, and hopefully individuals can transfer on and Hunter will get again to full well being.
