A shocking incident at a Michigan high school football game has left one player with severe spinal injuries and reignited debate over youth sports safety. During a matchup between Kalamazoo Central and Lakeshore High School, a Kalamazoo player wearing number 73 was caught on video leaping onto a Lakeshore opponent who was already on the ground — a move witnesses described as a dangerous “belly flop.”
The injured player’s mother, Mims, filmed the moment from the stands. She rushed to the field after realizing her son was motionless. “I’ve never felt anything like it,” she said. “I just wanted to make sure he was okay.” Paramedics confirmed the teen had two spinal fractures. He has since been released from the hospital but faces months of recovery.
The Michigan High School Athletic Association confirmed it is reviewing the incident with both schools. Concerned parents have called for stronger rules and disciplinary action to prevent similar injuries.
Mims hopes her son’s ordeal sparks change, saying, “This can’t just be brushed off. It changed our lives in a split second.”
