Michigan high school football player returns to the field in a wheelchair after on-field attack

A Michigan high school football player who was body-slammed by a rival on the field last week returned to the Lakeshore Lancers’ sideline in a wheelchair to watch the team on the road at St. Joseph’s, drawing a standing ovation from fans and teammates.

Colton Mimms, 15, sustained two spinal fractures when he was tackled while lying on the turf after a play and was rushed to the hospital. The incident last week sparked anger across the state and prompted officials from Kalamazoo to take action against the unnamed player involved. Lakeshore officials confirmed that the actions taken exceeded what the Michigan High School Athletic Association regulations would ordinarily require in cases of dangerous and unsportsmanlike conduct.

A Kalamazoo Central School District statement described the student’s behavior as unacceptable and not reflective of the values Kalamazoo Public Schools seeks to instill in its athletes, coaches and the broader school community. The district added that the student received consequences consistent with the Kalamazoo Public Schools Student Code of Conduct and in compliance with Michigan High School Athletic Association regulations.

Kalamazoo Central officials also told Fox News that the disciplinary actions went beyond what the MHSAA would require in such cases, using language the district described as “strong and decisive action.” In a separate move, Lakeshore Public Schools said the district superintendent sent a letter to students, staff and families characterizing the incident as an intentional, unprovoked and flagrant violation of sports rules and conduct, and noted ongoing communication with Mimms’s family along with supportive measures to help him continue his education while he recovers.

Mimms’s mother, Courtney, told local outlets she raced to be with her son after the incident and that the outpouring of support from the community helped sustain them through a difficult period. In a post shared on Facebook, she described the moment she arrived and the emotions that followed: “As soon as it clicked that it was, I couldn't be stopped. I had to go down there. I’ve never felt anything like it.” She added that the community’s response affirmed the values many associate with the school and the broader community. Courtney also noted that some Kalamazoo Central players had attempted to apologize for the hit.

While Mimms watched Friday night’s game from the sideline alongside another injured Lakeshore player, questions remained about his long-term prognosis and whether he will be able to return to football. Officials said they would not disclose specific accountability details due to student privacy laws, but emphasized that the disciplinary actions were designed to be thorough and in line with district and state regulations. The injured Kalamazoo Central player is out for the season, and it remains unclear whether Mimms will be able to resume playing at any point in the future.