A Michigan high school football player, who was the victim of an alarming on-field attack by an opponent last week, was warmly welcomed back in a wheelchair for his team’s recent match.
Colton Mimms, 15, of Lakeshore, was unexpectedly body-slammed by a Kalamazoo Central player while on the ground post-play, leading to his hospitalization with two spinal fractures.
The appalling event ignited outrage nationwide, and it was subsequently confirmed that Kalamazoo officials had taken ‘strong and decisive action’ against the unidentified player following the incident.
The focus has shifted back to Mimms, as he made an inspiring return to Lakeshore in a wheelchair to attend the team’s away game at St Joseph’s.
Photos and videos shared by his mother Courtney on Facebook show Colton in his wheelchair amidst a supportive crowd of fans praying for his recovery.
In another image, he watches the game from the sideline alongside another of the team’s injured players.
Colton Mimms receives a prayer from friends and family after returning to his high school
Mimms was back to watch his teammates, and in his uniform, a week after his spinal fractures
‘The first time taking the field since!!!! That’s my BIG BABY!,’ Mimms’ mother wrote on social media.
‘He’s an angel. I have never seen young men as exemplary as his teammates. I’m incredibly thankful to the SJ moms for organizing this and informing me.
‘Allowed/ gave us as moms this sweet spot before, And their boys! who have also been so sweet! I wished I got the video of where they wanted to run away to celebrate the war by the shore win; as they should!
‘Each one came to give colt at least the high five, of the game, he couldnt play. Our communities are BEAUTIFUL! THIS is what it’s all about.’
It remains unclear how long Mimms will have to spend on the sideline, or if he will ever be able to play football again, after the horrifying injuries he suffered in the attack.
‘Due to student privacy laws, we cannot disclose the specific accountability actions, but they have exceeded what (Michigan High School Athletics Association) regulations would otherwise require in cases of dangerous and unsportsmanlike behavior,’ a statement from Kalamazoo Central told Fox News after punishing the player.
Mimms watched the game from the sideline alongside another injured player on Friday night
The incident occurred last week when Mimms was body-slammed while lying on the ground
A statement from the Kalamazoo school district said the player’s behavior 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.’
The school system 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.’
The superintendent for Lakeshore Public Schools sent a letter to students, staff, and families regarding the incident, calling it ‘an intentional, unprovoked and flagrant violation of the rules and appropriate sports conduct.’
This letter also said the school has been in ‘regular communication with his family regarding this matter. We have also put in place supportive measures to ensure our student athlete can continue his education while he recovers.’
Colton’s mother Courtney, meanwhile, told local station WSBT that she was there for the incident and wasn’t going to be stopped from reaching her son – whose season is now done.
‘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. I’ve never been as upset or shaken up as I was over something for my son,’ she told the station on Friday.
‘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.
The injured player is out for the season and it is unknown if he will be able to play football again
Mimms, pictured with his mom prior to the injury, suffered two spinal fractures in the attack
‘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 also posted a follow-up to Facebook, thanking people for their support. Courtney revealed that there was an effort from some Kalamazoo Central players to apologize.
‘This truly brought me to tears, and has helped remind me that one players actions does not in fact, reflect an entire team, & hasn’t in all regards,’ she wrote.
‘We stand with the right side, and are so thankful to everyone in this community and extending that are behind us; and continue to share the story.’
