Kalamazoo Central player condemns teammate’s move after lakeshore injury as threats surge online

A Michigan high school football incident attracted national attention after a Kalamazoo Central junior varsity player publicly denounced his teammate’s decision to jump on top of a Lakeshore opponent during a game, an act that left the Lakeshore player with two spinal fractures and sidelined the rival for the season.

The injured player, 15-year-old Colton Mims of Lakeshore High School, was knocked to the ground in a play that officials deemed dangerous and unsportsmanlike. The teammate who jumped on him has not been publicly identified by the district, but a Kalamazoo Central sophomore, Rhys Biske, posted a response video on his mother’s TikTok account, saying he would not defend the stunt and calling it an illegal, horrible decision. In the video, Biske said the act was intentional but not driven by malicious intent, describing it as a stunt meant for celebration and humor. "The decision my teammate made and what he did to the Lakeshore player was not alright," Biske said. "It was an illegal move and had no place. I'm not going to try to defend that. It was a horrible decision."

Kalamazoo Central has said it took strong and decisive action against the unidentified junior varsity player involved, noting that the disciplinary steps exceeded what the Michigan High School Athletic Association regulations would require in cases of dangerous and unsportsmanlike behavior. The school did not disclose the exact measures due to student privacy laws, but reiterated that the action aligns with its commitment to accountability and safety.

The district issued a separate statement underscoring that the incident 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." Officials said Colton Mims is out for the season, and it remains unclear whether he will be able to return to football.

The district described the incident as an intentional, unprovoked, and flagrant violation of rules and proper conduct. A superintendent-letter to students, staff, and families said the district is providing supportive measures to ensure Mims’ continued education while he recovers, and that school leaders have been in regular contact with his family throughout the process. The letter also indicated that the school system is cooperating with the Lakeshore community and with state authorities as investigations continue.

Police in Kalamazoo are reviewing online threats directed at Kalamazoo Central and Lakeshore as authorities monitor a wave of harassment that has followed the incident. Biske’s mother told local outlets that she had been inundated with messages, including racial slurs and calls for punishment of the coaches and players involved. She also said the family would support efforts to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the online vitriol.

As the case drew national attention, questions remained about how schools confront dangerous celebrations that endanger opponents and how districts address the broader safety and culture issues in youth sports. Officials emphasized that the focus remains on Colton Mims’ health and on safeguarding students and staff, while reiterating the commitment to fair, sportsmanlike competition across Michigan high schools.