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He also condemned death threats made against
Colorado State safety Henry Blackburn, who delivered the hit
that sent Hunter to the hospital.
Hunter won't play in this Saturday's showdown between No. 19
Colorado and No. 10 Oregon at Eugene. He is expected to miss
multiple weeks.
Hunter was released from the hospital on Monday and is now
recovering at home, according to Sanders.
Hunter was hospitalized in Boulder after taking a vicious hit in
the midsection from Blackburn during the first quarter of
Saturday's game. Hunter returned to action before later leaving
for good.
The fierce hit led to death threats against Blackburn and his
family. Colorado State athletic director Joe Parker said Monday
that addresses and phone numbers for Blackburn and his family
were published on the internet.
Colorado State campus police and local authorities are
investigating.
Sanders was disturbed that Blackburn and his family are
receiving death threats.
"He does not deserve death threats over a game," Sanders said
Tuesday. "... "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. I forgive him. CU, our team forgives him.
Travis, he's forgiven him. Let's move on. But that kid does not
deserve that."
Ironically, Blackburn is a native of Boulder. He also
intercepted a pass during the contest.
"Henry Blackburn is a good player who played a phenomenal game,"
Sanders said. "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
not constitute that he should be receiving death threats."
Hunter has been a breakout star for Colorado while playing
receiver on offense and cornerback on defense. He played over
100 snaps in each of the Buffaloes' first two games.
Hunter has 16 receptions for 213 yards on offense, and one
interception and nine tackles on defense.
--Field Level Media
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