The first half of Saturday’s match between in-state rivals Colorado State and No. 18 Colorado was extremely heated. A total of 16 penalties were called in the first half, including 11 in the first quarter.
Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter was on the wrong end of an unnecessary roughness penalty. After QB Shedeur Sanders attempted to hit Hunter with a deep pass, Hunter shot him in the chest, causing the Buffaloes’ star to lie on the field for a few moments before recomposing himself.
Hunter received medical attention on the sideline before re-entering the game late in the first quarter and playing the remainder of the first half. However, Hunter left the stadium in the second half and was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
The school did not immediately announce the reason why Hunter was ejected and taken to a hospital, but the Rams were whistled for two fouls in the game. Henry Blackburn was cited for pass interference and nickelback Ayden Hector was fouled for unsportsmanlike conduct after a late hit out of bounds on Hunter’s midsection.
While Hunter lay on the ground after the hit, Sanders ran towards Blackburn and appeared to exchange a few words with him. The penalties helped Colorado move the ball down the field before scoring a touchdown, making the game 14-14.
NBA star LeBron James was among those who questioned the lack of a targeted call when the hit on Hunter came late in the first quarter.
“Like I don’t understand the difference between targeting and what I just saw,” James wrote in a social media post. “I’ve seen others get kicked out for far less money. In my opinion that was outrageous and inappropriate!”
Former NFL star JJ Watt also took to social media after the hit on Hunter and asked why Blackburn weren’t ejected from the game.
Hunter played a crucial role in Colorado’s 2-0 start, recording 14 catches for 192 yards on offense and totaling seven tackles and one interception on defense. Before leaving Saturday’s game, he had two receptions for 21 yards and two total tackles.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.