Michigan high school football player punished after opponent fractures spine in on-field incident

A Kalamazoo Central High School junior varsity football player was disciplined after an on-field incident in which he jumped on top of a much smaller Lakeshore opponent, fracturing his spine. Colton Mims, 15, of Lakeshore High School, was left on the turf during a blocking sequence when the larger Kalamazoo Central player leaped into the air and landed on him, the Lakeshore district said. Mims was diagnosed with two spinal fractures and is out for the season. The injury occurred during a game between Lakeshore and Kalamazoo Central, and the incident drew national attention to the case and to issues of on-field safety in high school football.

Kalamazoo Central issued a statement saying they took "strong and decisive action" against the student involved, who has not been identified. The school said, due to student privacy laws, it could not disclose the specifics of the accountability measures, but that the discipline exceeded what the Michigan High School Athletic Association regulations would require in cases of dangerous and unsportsmanlike behavior. The district described the incident as serious and inappropriate conduct for student-athletes.

The Kalamazoo Public Schools district further stated that the involved behavior was unacceptable and did not reflect the values of sportsmanship, respect, and integrity that the district expects from student-athletes, coaches, and the wider school community. The district added that the actions taken were in line with the Kalamazoo Public Schools Student Code of Conduct and in compliance with Michigan High School Athletic Association regulations.

Lakeshore Public Schools’ superintendent sent a letter to students, staff, and families describing the incident as an intentional, unprovoked, and flagrant violation of the rules and appropriate sports conduct. The letter said the district has been in regular communication with Mims’ family and has put in place supportive measures to ensure he can continue his education while he recovers.

Colton Mims’ mother, Courtney, told WSBT that she was at the game and did whatever she could to reach her son once she realized what had happened. "As soon as it clicked that it was, I couldn't be stopped. I had to go down there," she said, describing her shock and anger. She added that she had never felt anything like it and that she and other family members were shaken by the incident.

Courtney Mims also spoke about the broader impact on her son’s life and his team. She said, "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." She later posted on Facebook, thanking those who offered support and noting that some Kalamazoo Central players had attempted to apologize. "This truly brought me to tears, and has helped remind me that one player’s actions does not in fact reflect an entire team," she wrote, adding thanks to the community for its support.

Officials emphasized that Lakeshore and Kalamazoo Central remained focused on the injured player’s health and on maintaining a supportive environment for all students involved. While the exact disciplinary actions remain private, the case has reignited discussion about safety protocols, coaching standards, and the handling of incidents that occur during high school sports. The incident also highlighted the role of public communications from school districts following on-field incidents, especially when a child is seriously injured.

Colton Mims’ family and Lakeshore officials said they would continue to pursue the appropriate channels to ensure his recovery and future education. The Lakeshore district indicated it would provide ongoing updates as information becomes available, and it urged the community to respect privacy as the family navigates the aftermath of a difficult season-ending injury.