A Florida judge has recently denied a special request from Travis Hunter Sr. to ease the terms of his criminal sentence. The father of NFL rookie Travis Hunter had petitioned for a change to his community control status, essentially a form of strict home confinement.
Police previously discovered drugs, a pistol, and a loaded magazine during a 2023 traffic stop involving Hunter Sr. The 39-year-old later accepted a plea deal that included 90 days in jail and three years of probation, with the first year under community control supervision.
Under Florida law, this supervision means Hunter Sr. must remain at home unless attending approved activities like work. He is currently about halfway through that year and hoped for leniency, which the court ultimately rejected.
Judge Denies Travis Hunter Sr’s Plea
Travis Hunter Sr. recently made a personal appeal to a Florida judge, requesting a lighter sentence that would allow him to be more involved in his son’s rising NFL career.
With Travis Hunter Jr. drafted No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the father hoped to move into a less restrictive probation arrangement. One that would allow him to work for his son and live with him.
His lawyer, Bradford Cohen, argued that Hunter Jr. could now provide his father with employment, stable housing, and a more structured environment, key factors that should warrant reconsideration. “What I’m saying is his situation has changed,” Cohen told the judge. “His son is able to employ him… Those are simply issues that changed the situation of an individual.”
But Judge Coates was unmoved, voicing concern that such leniency would appear as favoritism. “Probably 99% of the public out there that doesn’t have an athlete son who’s incredibly successful might look at this and say, ‘This sounds like special treatment for the athlete’s father.’”
Ultimately, the judge rejected the request, and Hunter Sr. will continue serving his community control sentence, which confines him to his home unless attending approved activities. His plea was seen as heartfelt, but not legally exceptional.
Permission To Attend His Son’s Wedding
In a separate decision earlier that week, Judge Coates granted Travis Hunter Sr. permission to travel to Tennessee to attend his son’s wedding.
The ceremony took place on May 24, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Travis Jr.’s life.
Although the court had denied Hunter Sr.’s broader request to ease sentencing restrictions, this ruling allowed him to be present for a cherished family moment. It demonstrated the court’s willingness to accommodate meaningful events within strict probation boundaries.
Permission to Attend the NFL Draft
Travis Hunter Sr. received court approval to travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, for a once-in-a-lifetime moment, his son’s selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
While he wasn’t permitted to attend the Heisman Trophy ceremony, the court made an exception, allowing him to be present as Travis Hunter was chosen No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The team traded up to secure the Colorado standout, and his father was able to celebrate alongside him.
These small permissions, though limited, allowed Hunter Sr. to witness key moments in his son’s rising NFL journey.