The mother of a 15-year-old high school football player who suffered a serious spine injury has bravely spoken out about the shocking moment her son was severely hurt during a game. The incident occurred during a Junior Varsity (JV) football game in Michigan on Thursday evening, when Colton, a player for Lakeshore High School, was left with a fractured spine after a larger opposing player tackled him and then jumped onto him while he was lying on the ground.
The Disturbing Incident
The horrifying moment was captured on video, showing the larger player pancaking Colton after a play, with the player’s full weight landing on top of him. Colton’s mother, Courtney Mims, was at the game between Lakeshore and Kalamazoo Central High Schools when the incident unfolded. Initially, she did not realize it was her own son on the ground. As soon as it clicked, she described her immediate reaction: “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.”
Courtney expressed her distress over the violent nature of the play, saying, “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.”
Injury and Immediate Medical Care
Colton was quickly taken off the field and transported to a nearby hospital, where it was confirmed that he had sustained two fractures in his spine. While doctors are providing care, it remains unclear whether Colton will ever be able to return to playing football. The news has left his family, friends, and teammates devastated, with many hoping for his recovery, though they are bracing for the possibility that his football career may be over.
A spokesperson for Lakeshore High School issued a statement saying, “We can’t share any information at this time, other than we are working with the other school about this situation.” The school district has not yet confirmed whether any disciplinary actions will be taken against the player responsible for the injury.
Football’s Risks and Long-Term Effects
The dangers of football extend beyond isolated incidents like this one. Football is a highly physical sport, and injuries such as fractures and concussions are common. However, the real long-term risks often come from repeated smaller hits that occur throughout a player’s career. These seemingly minor collisions add up over time and can lead to serious brain injuries.
Football players are at high risk for developing a condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. In CTE, brain cells die off due to the constant impact, leading to a range of symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, and mood swings. This condition has been linked to football, with a 2023 study at Boston University’s CTE Center diagnosing 345 out of 376 former NFL players with the condition. For context, a 2018 study of the general population found that only 1 in 164 people would develop CTE.
As awareness of CTE and the dangers of football-related injuries has grown, there has been increasing scrutiny of the sport, especially at the high school and youth levels, where players may not fully understand the risks they are taking. Many are calling for increased safety protocols and better education for players, coaches, and parents to reduce the chances of these life-altering injuries.
Calls for Change and Better Safety Measures
This incident has sparked renewed discussions about the safety of high school football and the potential for change in how the sport is played. Experts and advocates for youth safety are calling for improved protective equipment, as well as better training for coaches to ensure that players are not put at risk in dangerous situations. Many believe that injuries like Colton’s could be avoided with stricter regulations and guidelines for tackling and other high-risk maneuvers during games.
While football is beloved by many, particularly at the high school level, the sport’s risks cannot be ignored. Colton’s injury is a stark reminder of the dangers that players face every time they step onto the field. As his family rallies behind him for a swift recovery, many hope that this incident will prompt further discussions and changes to make the sport safer for future generations of athletes.
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Stay tuned for more updates on Colton’s recovery and the ongoing conversations about football safety.
