A high school in Michigan has punished one of their own junior varsity players who senselessly injured a much smaller opponent by jumping on top of them and fracturing their spine.
Images from the shocking incident during a game between Lakeshore and Kalamazoo Central showed 15-year-old Colton Mims lying on the ground after losing a blocking battle to an offensive lineman.
Moments later, with Mims still on the turf, the much bigger offensive lineman then jumped in the air, left his feet, and then flopped his body on top of Colton.
Colton was diagnosed with two spinal fractures as a result of the senseless incident.
After the incident attracted national headlines, Kalamazoo Central released a statement saying they took ‘strong and decisive action’ against their own player – who has not been identified.
‘Due to student privacy laws, we cannot disclose the specific accountability actions, but they have exceeded what (Michigan High School Athletics Association) regulations would otherwise require in cases of dangerous and unsportsmanlike behavior,’ the school told Fox News.
Kalamazoo Central High School has taken ‘strong and decisive action’ against one of their own junior varsity football players after he was seen jumping on top of a defenseless opponent
The injured player is out for the season and it is unknown if he will be able to play football again
A statement from the Kalamazoo school district as a whole said the player’s behavior was ‘unacceptable and does not reflect the values of sportsmanship, respect, and integrity that Kalamazoo Public Schools expects from student-athletes, coaches and the entire school community.’
The school system added that the student ‘received consequences consistent with the Kalamazoo Public Schools Student Code of Conduct and in compliance with Michigan High School Athletic Association regulations.’
The superintendent for Lakeshore Public Schools sent a letter to students, staff, and families regarding the incident, calling it ‘an intentional, unprovoked and flagrant violation of the rules and appropriate sports conduct.’
This letter also said the school has been in ‘regular communication with his family regarding this matter. We have also put in place supportive measures to ensure our student athlete can continue his education while he recovers.’
Colton’s mother, Courtney Mims, told local station WSBT that she was there for the incident and wasn’t going to be stopped from reaching her son – whose season is now done.
‘As soon as it clicked that it was, I couldn’t be stopped. I had to go down there. I’ve never felt anything like it. I’ve never been as upset or shaken up as I was over something for my son,’ she told the station on Friday.
The mother of the injured player revealed what her family has been through
‘These boys are high school boys. They’re 15 years old. The game means a lot to them. It’s their whole life right now.
‘They’re there from before I get up to go to work in the morning till after dinner, putting in the work and for somebody to try to take that from somebody doing so much is awful for me to see.’
She also posted a follow-up to Facebook, thanking people for their support. Courtney revealed that there was an effort from some Kalamazoo Central players to apologize.
‘This truly brought me to tears, and has helped remind me that one players actions does not in fact, reflect an entire team, & hasnt; in all regards,’ she wrote.
‘We stand with the right side, and are so thankful to everyone in this community and extending that are behind us; and continue to share the story.’
