Over 7,000 threats investigated by police after Travis Hunter hit against Colorado State

Buffaloes standout suffered a lacerated liver after the blow by Rams defensive back Henry Blackburn

Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

After a three and a half month investigation, Fort Collins Police Service announced they've charged five people who made threats towards Colorado State's Henry Blackburn after injuring Colorado's Travis Hunter. Over 7,000 threats were noted by FCPS Crimes Against Persons Detectives with a majority of those coming online.

The Buffs standout was struck under the ribs by Blackburn during the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Sept. 16, which many people watching considered to be a dirty play. The two players met up in a show of unity afterwards and it became a viral moment. Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders immediately denounced the threats aimed at Blackburn during a press conference the following week.

The five people charged with various misdemeanor crimes were four juveniles and an adult. No word if the identity of the adult will be released by FCPS.

"The two student-athletes have clearly and publicly put this issue behind them," CSU athletics said in a statement to CBS News. "Threats of violence against student-athletes are never appropriate in collegiate football or any other sport. We appreciate that law enforcement has looked into this and is taking action in what investigators believe to be serious cases."

Hunter was out three games due to injury. The two-way star came back to win this year's Paul Hornung Award for college football's most versatile player and was named to ESPN's top 100 list.