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WATCH:
The young player was later identified as Colton Mims, the son of local resident Courtney Mims. She confirmed to WSBT that it was her son who was viciously injured on the field that day.
Colton was immediately rushed to the hospital, where doctors delivered devastating news: his spine had been broken in two places. While physicians say he is expected to recover, there is a very real possibility his days of playing the sport he loves are over.
“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,” Colton’s mother said.
Many parents are now demanding to know why the player who delivered the hit hasn’t been held accountable. Incredibly, neither Kalamazoo Central High School nor the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has taken any public disciplinary action.
In fact, the MHSAA released a brief statement to WSBT, saying:
“We are aware of the situation you’re describing … We’ve talked to both schools, and they are resolving this issue internally.”
That response has done little to calm the anger. Community members argue this was far more than a routine sports injury and that the lack of immediate suspension sends the wrong message.
What is especially frustrating for many parents is that the MHSAA appears unwilling to intervene, even after seeing video evidence of what happened. With no public comment on possible penalties, families are left wondering what it will take for authorities to act.
Meanwhile, in a show of solidarity, the Lakeshore Lancers dedicated their 26-7 victory over Kalamazoo Central to Colton. The team made it clear their win was for the teammate who couldn’t be on the field with them.
As for Colton, his recovery will take time—and whether he’ll ever play football again remains uncertain. But one thing is crystal clear: this small Michigan town is demanding answers, and so far, the silence from officials has only made the outrage grow louder.
