THE high school of a football player who senselessly injured a smaller opponent by jumping and fracturing his spine has released a powerful statement.
Michigan high-schooler Colton Mims, 15, was rushed to the hospital after the “senseless” incident.
High-schooler Colton Mims, right, fractured his spine during a high school football game[/caption]
Colton was knocked to the ground by an offensive lineman during a game between Lakeshore and Kalamazoo Central.
But seconds later, with the teen curled up defenseless on the ground, the much bigger Kalamazoo offensive lineman proceeded to jump in the air and body slam Colton.
Mims was carted off the field and was later diagnosed with spinal fractures due to the incident.
The incident has become a national story, and Kalamazoo Central shared a statement saying they took “strong and decisive action” against their own player, whom they legally can’t identify.
“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 school district’s statement 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 also said the student “received consequences consistent with the Kalamazoo Public Schools Student Code of Conduct and in compliance with Michigan High School Athletic Association regulations.”
Lakeshore Public Schools superintendent Greg Eding revealed a letter to students, staff, and families about the incident, calling it “an intentional, unprovoked and flagrant violation of the rules and appropriate sports conduct.”
The letter added that the school has been in “regular communication with his family regarding this matter” and have given “supportive measures to ensure our student athlete can continue his education while he recovers.’
Mims’ mom, Courtney, witnessed the sequence, horrified as medical personnel rushed 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 Facebook post that numerous Kalamazoo Central players have offered apologies.
“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 support behind us; and continue to share the story.”
