The real reason Travis Hunter's dad snubbed Heisman ceremony as son breaks down in tears during speech
After much speculation on Saturday night, the real reason for Travis Hunter's father skipping the Heisman Trophy presentation has been revealed.
Colorado's two-way star was crowned champion at a glitzy ceremony in New York over the weekend, but his dad was conspicuous in his absence, not least when Hunter name-checked him in his speech.
'I want to say something to my father,' Hunter said, with millions watching on from home. 'He's not here and wasn't able to make it but I know you're watching on TV.
'Dad, I love you. For all the stuff you went through man... now look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man.'
Now, the real reason for his absence has been revealed, and it's quite simple: he just didn't want to be there.
In a recent interview with the Palm Beach Post, Hunter Sr told a reporter: 'I don't want to go. I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted.
Colorado's Travis Hunter was in New York this week to receive the Heisman Trophy
His father watched on from home with his friends and was clearly emotional during the speech
'I'm going to watch this from home.'
So, therefore, he stayed back in Boynton Beach and watched on TV as his son was crowned Heisman champion, just four months out from the day many expect him to be selected No 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hunter Sr has recently spent time in prison, and was released three weeks early on December 5 after serving his 90-day sentence.
When asked how he feels about his son becoming the biggest college star in the country under the stewardship of Deion Sanders in Colorado, he said: 'I really don't feel no different because I always know he could win, if he put his mind to win.
Colorado star Hunter (center) poses previously with his dad Travis Sr (left) and mom (right)
Hunter held back tears when hugging Deion Sanders after being announced as the winner
'He's always had that … since he started playing football when he was 4 years old.
'At the end of the day, I would always tell him he's the best player anyway so he's got to go out there and play like it. Every time I'd tell him that he'd go out there and play like he's the best player in the world.'
On Saturday night, video emerged of Hunter Sr watching the ceremony on TV with his friends, and he burst into tears when his son mentioned him in his speech.
