On Monday, the University of Colorado announced that it would retire the jerseys of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders as part of the Spring Game festivities on Saturday, a decision that has sparked some controversy, particularly from Denver sports anchor Scotty Gange. Gange expressed his views, suggesting that the move was mainly an attempt to “sell more Spring Game tickets” and placate head coach Deion Sanders, who is also Shedeur’s father.
I absolutely disagree with CU’s decision to retire Shedeur Sanders’s jersey number. #9sports pic.twitter.com/3BOlI1UoJ7
— Scotty Gange (@Scotty_G6) April 15, 2025
“I absolutely disagree with this decision,” Gange stated on Monday night’s 9News. He acknowledged Hunter’s status as a Heisman winner but pointed out that Rashaan Salaam waited 23 years for his number to be retired. Gange characterized Shedeur’s retirement as a forced addition, noting that a 10-7 record over two years and a blowout loss in the Alamo Bowl did not warrant immediate jersey retirement. “CU has so much history and so many legends in their 135 years. Perhaps one day would be the right time to retire Shedeur’s number. But not today,” he added, suggesting that the school’s decision was more about pleasing the head coach and boosting ticket sales for the spring game.
While it’s essential to credit Shedeur Sanders for his achievements, including breaking multiple program records in passing yards and touchdowns during his two years in Colorado, his tenure is viewed more for the hype than the team’s accomplishments on the field. Although Sanders contributed to the program’s improvement, the results may not stand out among the greatest players in Colorado Buffaloes history.
This isn’t the first time Gange has made headlines with his strong opinions on Colorado sports. He previously faced backlash for labeling Rockies star Kris Bryant a “bank robber” due to his substantial contract and injuries, and he also criticized Deion Sanders for allegedly trying to intimidate reporters ahead of the 2024 college football season. Given the scrutiny Deion Sanders has faced for perceived favoritism towards his sons and his controlling nature over the program, this jersey retirement decision is unlikely to silence ongoing discussions regarding his leadership.
