Colorado star Travis Hunter faces growing criticism over his relationship with fiancée, Shadelle Sanders chimes in
On Dec. 14, Colorado football two-way star Travis Hunter won the coveted Heisman Trophy.
But the days that followed were filled with controversy, with the college football star’s relationship with fiancée Leanne Laney coming under scrutiny. Some fans criticized Lenny’s behavior in the video that circulated online.
Hunter’s teammate Shedul Sanders has since decided to address the controversy. The Buffalo quarterback suggested critics should stop commenting on the wide receiver and defensive back’s personal life.
“To all the athletes, entertainers, artists, etc., if you sincerely want to say hi to Trav, you know how to get in touch with him or those around you,” Sanders wrote on X on Sunday. “At this moment, you guys Just posting to make the algorithm look cool.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
University of Colorado at Buffalo’s Shedeur Sanders #2 and Travis Hunter #12 speak with the media at Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas on July 21, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Louis Glass/Getty Images)
At least one social media video appeared to show Lenny still in his seat shortly after Hunter was named the 2024 Heisman winner. NFL icon and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders then appeared to prompt Laney to his feet. Lenny eventually hugged Hunter briefly before quickly sitting down to a standing ovation from the audience.
Hunter and Lenny’s engagement was publicly confirmed earlier this year.
SHEDEUR SANDERS, TRAVIS HUNTER HAVE LARGEST DISABILITY INSURANCE IN CFB HISTORY TO COVER THEIR BOWL GAME
Other footage appears to show Lenny still seated while Hunter greets and takes photos with fans at an event in New York City the day after the Heisman ceremony. Some fans tried to analyze Leni’s behavior during the event, even suggesting she was angry.
Hunter addressed the situation during a Twitch stream, saying his fiancée cried herself to sleep and drank alcohol due to the backlash.
Colorado’s Travis Hunter holds the Heisman Trophy after winning it as college football’s standout player on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in New York. (Todd Van Amst/Heisman Trust, AP, Pool)
“When you cry yourself to sleep, you know how painful it is,” Hunter said, adding that he didn’t want Lenny to “go to sleep sad” after drinking.
“I know what I’m getting. I know my girl. My girl has been with me for five years,” Hunter said. “You’re just starting to talk about me and hang out with me now. Come on, man.”
Colorado State receiver Travis Hunter celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State on Thursday, August 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Last week, Lenee responded to the criticism on TikTok.
“People say I’m like, ‘What am I going to do? Just sit here?'” she said in response to a video on Dec. 16. “First of all, that’s not what I said.”
On Monday, TMZ reported that Hunter had decided to deactivate his Instagram account. Hunter has not publicly revealed any details of his decision.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Hunter is expected to be one of the first players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, he is still expected to play in the Alamo Bowl against BYU.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Gathering Newsletter.
