FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Police in Fort Collins have identified five people accused of making threats toward a Colorado State University football player after the team's game against the University of Colorado in September.
Fort Collins Police Services said the player, previously identified as safety Henry Blackburn, received about 7,000 threats on social media that varied in severity and nature.
The threats prompted a police investigation that led to the identification of an adult and four juveniles, who now face misdemeanor charges.
“It is common for emotions to run high during sporting events,” Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said in a statement. “However, making threats to the physical safety of a person will not be tolerated and will be investigated fully by FCPS.”
Blackburn began receiving the threats after his late hit put Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter in the hospital on Sept. 16. Hunter was diagnosed with a lacerated liver.
Blackburn and his family received death threats in the wake of the double-overtime win by the Buffaloes, with Colorado State coach Jay Norvell saying at the time that police were contacted. Colorado coach Deion Sanders condemned the threats, saying "he does not deserve a death threat over a game."
The two players put the incident behind them by going bowling together. Blackburn posted a video on social media of them shaking hands and embracing.
In his online streaming show, Hunter came to the defense of Blackburn: “He did what he was supposed to do. It’s football. Something bad is going to happen on the field sooner or later. You’ve got to get up and fight again.”
Previous reporting by The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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