A junior varsity football game in Michigan turned traumatic when 15-year-old Colton Mims was left with a fractured spine after a much larger player jumped on him while he was lying on the ground. The incident happened during a game between Lakeshore and Kalamazoo Central High Schools.
Colton’s mother, Courtney Mims, witnessed the shocking play, initially unsure if the injured player was her son. When she realized it was Colton, she rushed to his side, overwhelmed with emotion. “I’ve never been as upset or shaken up as I was over something for my son,” she said.
Colton was taken to the hospital and treated for two spinal fractures, and was placed on muscle relaxers. Although it is unclear if he will return to football, his mother hopes he will make a full recovery.
Officials from the schools involved condemned the dangerous behavior, with the larger opposing player facing consequences for his actions.
