‘Don’t Touch Me!’ Ballboy Flips Out After Refusing To Give Back Player’s First Interception Ball 

Spectrum News

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Travis Hunter notched his first career interception in the end zone, but the drama had only just begun.

Late in the second quarter during Sunday’s game in Jacksonville against the New England Patriots, Hunter intercepted a pass in the end zone from Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Maye had attempted to force the ball to Efton Chism III, who was completely blanketed by Hunter.

After picking off Maye, Hunter celebrated with his teammates and he spun the ball on the ground. It was subsequently picked up by a ballboy, a term being used loosely here as it was an adult male. Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen attempted to retrieve the souvenir from the milestone personal moment for his teammate, but was loudly rebuked.

Hines-Allen attempted to wrest the ball from the man’s arm.

“Don’t touch me!” the man exclaimed.

Hines-Allen again tried reaching for the ball.

“Hey, he pushed me!” the man told Jaguars equipment manager George Pellicer, really trying to sell it. “He can’t do that!”

On Monday, the Jaguars confirmed that Hunter got the ball back.

“I was just talking about it,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen told reporters on Monday. “I haven’t gotten a clean answer. We’ve been in communication with those guys over there. I think they’ve gotten it sorted out; I can’t say for certain if we got the actual ball or not.”

Jacksonville ended up winning the game 35-6.

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!