Why is Travis Hunter's father allowed to attend NFL Draft despite three-year probation?

Just days before he takes to the stage for the NFL Draft, Travis Hunter Jr. received a huge non-football update that could make his special night even more spectacular. 

The two-way Colorado star was awarded the Heisman Trophy in December while his father watched from home.

Why? Hunter's father is currently serving a three-year probation, due to gun and drug charges stemming from a November 2023 arrest. He was ordered to serve the first year of that probation under home confinement. As a result, Hunter Sr. was not able to attend the Heisman Trophy award presentation in December, where Hunter won the award.

In his acceptance speech, Hunter Jr. spoke to his father while at the podium, his trophy within arm's reach.

Travis Hunter's speech after winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy 👏 pic.twitter.com/7tPL7tw4Rt

“Dad, I love you,” the two-way star said. “All the stuff you went through… I did it for you, man. All the times that you didn’t get to see me, or the time you came to see my games. From seeing probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming to see me, that means so much to me. I know you wanted to be here, and you can’t. But trust me, I got you.”

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

That last sentence seems to have materialized, as Hunter's father, Travis Hunter Sr., was given special permission to attend the 2025 NFL Draft, according to court documents.

"Travis Hunter Sr. was granted permission by the courts recently to travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, for the NFL Draft," The Palm Beach Post's Tom D'Angelo reported. "Hunter Sr., who lives in Boynton Beach where his son was raised, is scheduled to leave West Palm Beach the day before the draft and ordered to return Friday, the day following the draft's first round, according to court documents."

The restriction to only be allowed in Green Bay on Thursday will not raise issues, as Hunter is widely expected to be one of the first names called during the draft. The Sporting News' most recent mock draft has Hunter going second overall to the Cleveland Browns.

"While in Green Bay, Hunter Sr. is restricted to the grounds of the hotel other than attending the draft, which will be held at Lambeau Field," D'Angelo said. "He was required to submit a full travel itinerary and schedule to his community control officer."

MORE:

• Colorado's Shedeur Sanders could find ideal fit at struggling NFC East franchise, analyst says
• Family portal drama continues as Madden Iamaleava follows brother to UCLA
• Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough rising in NFL Draft boards despite embarassing now-viral clip