A MOM who watched her high school son fracture his spine from the sidelines has opened up on her ordeal.
Courtney Mims could only watch on in horror as her 15-year-old son Colton was rushed to hospital after the “senseless” incident.
Courtney Mims (left) watch her son Colton fracture his spine from the sidelines[/caption]
Colton was pancaked by an opponent while lying on the ground[/caption]
Colton was knocked to the turf by an offensive lineman during a game between Lakeshore High School and Kalamazoo Central in Michigan.
With the teen lying curled up defenseless on the ground, Kalamazoo’s No. 73 – noticeable larger than Colton – pancaked him with a body slam.
Mims was carted from the field and treated for two fractures in his spine, per WWMT.
He underwent surgery and is expected to have a full recovery.
But it is not yet known if he will play football again.
Mims’ mom Courtney watched on horrified as medics rushed onto the field to treat her son.
“I couldn’t be stopped [from running on],” she told WSBT.
“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.”
Courtney also confirmed in a later Facebook post that several Kalamazoo Central players had attempted to apologize.
“This truly brought me to tears,” she wrote.
“It has helped remind me that one players actions does not in fact, reflect an entire team and hasn’t in all regards.
“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.”
Kalamazoo Central have confirmed the player – who has not been identified – has been met with “strong and decisive action”.
“Due to student privacy laws, we cannot disclose the specific accountability actions,” a statement from the school read.
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“But they have exceeded what (Michigan High School Athletics Association) regulations would otherwise require in cases of dangerous and unsportsmanlike behavior.”
Lakeshore Public Schools superintendent Greg Eding has sent a letter to students and staff following the incident.
He describes the tackle as “an intentional, unprovoked and flagrant violation of the rules.”
“We wish the Lakeshore student a speedy recovery and we are in regular communication with his family regarding this matter,” the letter read, via FOX.
“We also have put in place supportive measures to ensure our student athlete can continue his education while he recovers.
“Following the incident, both varsity teams came together before their game on September 19 to say a prayer for the injured student in a showcase of sportsmanship and compassion.”
