Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Andrew Joseph

Deion Sanders offered a classy defense for Colorado State’s Henry Blackburn after Travis Hunter hit

Deion Sanders Henry Blackburn Travis Hunter Colorado (Organization) Colorado State Coach Prime (Organization)

Deion Sanders has the Colorado Buffaloes off to an impressive 3-0 start, but Saturday’s overtime win against in-state rival Colorado State came at a cost.

Two-way star Travis Hunter suffered a lacerated liver on a late hit from the Rams’ Henry Blackburn, and the injury is expected to keep Hunter out for several weeks. And while the hit did come late (and probably should have been targeting), Sanders wanted to make it clear that he forgave Blackburn for the hit. This came after it was reported that Blackburn received a death threat.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sanders defended Blackburn and wanted to make it clear that no player should ever receive death threats over a game.

Sanders said:

“Henry Blackburn is a good player who played a phenomenal game. He made a tremendous hit on Travis on the sideline. You could call it dirty, you could call it he was just playing the game of football. But whatever it was, it does constitute that he should be receiving death threats. This is still a young man trying to make it in life. A guy who is trying to live his dream and hopefully graduate with honors or degree, committed to excellence and go to the NFL. He does not deserve a death threat over a game.

“At the end of the day, this is a game. Someone must win, someone must lose. Everybody continues their life the next day. It’s very unfortunate, I’m saddened if there’s any of our fans that’s on the other side of those threats. I would hope and pray not. But that kid was just playing the best of his ability, and he made a mistake.

“So I forgive him. CU, our team forgives him. Travis has — he’s forgiven him. Let’s move on. But that kid does not deserve that.”

Hunter also said during a live stream that he didn’t have a problem with Blackburn’s hit, saying it happens in football.

Fans appreciated that comments from Sanders as the threats really need to stop.

This was how Twitter reacted

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
I Tried Lab-Grown Salmon. Here's What It Tasted Like.
Cultivated meat is getting better and better. That's why states keep trying to ban it.
Reason
Reason
Beatles songs "imprinted" on Paul Reiser
On "Everything Fab Four," he discusses his new comedy special, working with Michael McDonald and visiting Liverpool
Salon
Salon
Best tinted serums to get your skin glowing
The ultra-lightweight base product packed with skin-loving ingredients
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Dua Lipa’s pickle drink is latest twist in growing appreciation for ‘dirty’ cocktails
Brine from pickled onions, beetroot, pickles and even oysters is now a fixture on bar menus across the UK
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Mouth-taping, TikTok’s latest trend, won’t give you a ‘snatched’ jaw. Here’s what it might do
IN FOCUS: As the trend of taping one’s lips closed at night goes viral, Inga Parkel speaks to experts about whether the practice actually has any aesthetic benefits – or if it’s yet another online sensation best to brush off
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
'Squid Game' showrunner teases 'more intriguing games' for season 2 of the Netflix hit
Plus, what's in store for fans when 'Squid Game' season 3 drops in 2025
Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play