Death Threats Target Colorado State’s Henry Blackburn Following Controversial Hit

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Updated: September 18, 2023

Colorado State defensive back Henry Blackburn has found himself at the center of a harrowing situation, receiving death threats and facing relentless harassment in the aftermath of a controversial late hit on Colorado’s Travis Hunter. The incident has not only cast a shadow over the world of college football but also ignited a broader conversation about the dangers of online harassment and the responsibility of sports fans.

The late hit in question, which resulted in Travis Hunter being hospitalized with a lacerated liver, drew immediate outrage and condemnation. Fans and critics alike decried the reckless nature of the tackle, leading to calls for disciplinary action against Blackburn. However, the response to the incident quickly spiraled out of control.

Following the game, personal information, including Henry Blackburn’s home address and phone number, was maliciously leaked on social media platforms. This action ignited a firestorm of death threats and unrelenting harassment directed at Blackburn and his family. The disturbing nature of these threats has raised significant concerns about the safety and well-being of athletes and their loved ones in the digital age.

Authorities have stepped in to address this alarming situation. Colorado State police are collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to investigate the death threats and harassment directed at Blackburn. While the incident on the field was undoubtedly contentious, it is imperative to remember that no sporting event should ever escalate to the point where individuals’ lives and safety are jeopardized.

Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell has publicly acknowledged the severity of the situation, revealing that Henry Blackburn and his family have been subjected to death threats both during and since the game. Norvell’s statement underscores the urgent need for a collective reassessment of how we engage with sports, players, and controversial incidents.

While passionate sports fandom is a cherished aspect of the industry, it must never cross the line into threats, harassment, or violence. The episode involving Henry Blackburn serves as a stark reminder that the boundaries between sportsmanship and aggression can sometimes blur, leading to harmful consequences both on and off the field.

As this unsettling chapter unfolds, it is vital for all in the world of sports to come together and reaffirm their commitment to respect, empathy, and fair play. Only through a collective effort can we ensure that athletes and their families are safeguarded from the dark side of fandom, and that contentious moments in sports are resolved through dialogue and accountability rather than through fear and intimidation.