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Deion Sanders Responds to Travis Hunter’s Social Media Withdrawal
Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team, commented on Travis Hunter’s recent decision to deactivate his social media accounts following backlash directed at him and his fiancée, Leanna Lenee. This move came shortly after Hunter won the prestigious Heisman Trophy on December 23, sparking a wave of criticism regarding their relationship.
In an interview on the “Tamron Hall Show,” Sanders expressed his concern over Hunter’s choice to step back from social media. “It hurt me that he did,” he stated, indicating that such actions play into the hands of critics. “What the enemy wants you to do is stop,” he elaborated, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
The discussion around Hunter’s withdrawal from online platforms was intensified by the significant influence that social media has on athletes’ public personas and their marketability. As one of the top prospects in college football with an estimated NIL valuation of $5.2 million, Hunter’s social media presence is crucial for his endorsements and overall brand. Sanders highlighted the implications of this, saying, “You have endorsements, you have people that have sponsored you to talk about their product. We have to activate right now.”
Sanders also critiqued Hunter’s retreat from the online arena, warning that it leaves him exposed to further negative scrutiny. “When somebody stays still, now you got a chance to attack, and I hate the stillness of that,” he remarked, urging Hunter to remain proactive and not succumb to self-pity during tough times.
The Emotional Toll on Hunter and Lenee
During a Twitch live stream, Hunter revealed the emotional challenges faced by both him and Lenee as they navigated the backlash following the Heisman event. He noted that Lenee had experienced distressing moments, crying herself to sleep and turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Lenee took the opportunity to address critics directly in a TikTok video posted on December 16. In the nearly eight-minute clip, she expressed her exhaustion from the ongoing negativity surrounding her relationship with Hunter, saying, “I’m tired, emotionally and mentally. I’ve seen people trying to make me out to be a person that I am not.” This was a response to the scrutiny they faced, particularly after users speculated about her demeanor during the Heisman ceremony.
Footage circulated online showing Lenee remaining seated during the standing ovation for Hunter after he was announced as the winner. She later explained her actions on social media, stating that she did not initially stand up because she noticed Hunter’s mother remained seated. “I thought it was appropriate to stand up, greet him, congratulate him,” Lenee clarified, adding that she did not wish to upstage the moment.
Support from Teammates
Hunter’s teammate, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, has also voiced support for Hunter, urging critics to refrain from weighing in on his friend’s personal life. In a post on X, he stated, “If y’all genuine trying to holla at Trav, y’all know how to get in touch with him or someone around. At this point, y’all just posting for the algorithm trying to look cool,” reinforcing the sentiment that external opinions do not reflect the reality of their situation.
Travis Hunter’s engagement with Lenee was publicly confirmed earlier this year, and he is now considered a strong candidate in the upcoming NFL Draft. As the situation develops, both Hunter and Lenee are navigating the pressures of fame and public perception, while their supporters encourage a focus on positivity and resilience.
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