Michigan junior varsity football player fractures rival's spine in on-field attack
Lakeshore defender sidelined for the season after a Kalamazoo Central offensive lineman leaves his feet and drives his weight into a prone opponent; discipline to be determined by the schools.
During the third quarter of a Lakeshore versus Kalamazoo Central junior varsity football game Thursday, a Kalamazoo Central offensive lineman left his feet and landed with his full body weight on a Lakeshore defender who was already on the ground, fracturing the rival's spine. The Lakeshore player, a 15-year-old, was sidelined for the season due to the injury, according to family members and local reporting.
The boy's mother, Courtney Mims, told WSBT that her son, identified by Facebook commenters as Colton, is out for the season with a spine fracture in two places. Mims said she expects a full recovery but it remains unclear whether he will be able to play again.
The Michigan High School Athletic Association did not discipline the Kalamazoo Central student, leaving it up to the two schools to resolve the matter. Mims said Colton is on muscle relaxers after leaving the hospital.
The teams’ varsity matchup on Friday went on as scheduled, with Lakeshore winning 26-7. A Facebook post about the victory dedicated the win to Colton.
Video of the moment circulating online has drawn comparisons to the frog splash move made famous in wrestling and to similar maneuvers depicted in earlier sports video games.