A Michigan junior varsity football game turned disturbing when a player from Kalamazoo Central High School jumped on an opponent, leaving him with a serious spinal injury, according to 11Alive.

The incident happened during a Sept. 18 game against Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, Michigan. A video shared on Facebook by the assaulted student’s mother, Courtney Sims, shows the Kalamazoo Central player knocking down her son Colton, a Lakeshore JV player, then getting up and jumping on top of him while he was lying on the ground.

Colton’s mother, Courtney Mims, shared the clip on Facebook, writing that her son suffered a slight fracture on the spine. It was later reported that Colton’s spine was broken in two places. He is now recovering at home. 

Kalamazoo Central High School confirmed in a statement that the player responsible has been disciplined. “The behavior was addressed, and the student has received consequences consistent with the Kalamazoo Public Schools Student Code of Conduct and in compliance with MHSAA regulations,” school officials said.

Administrators called the incident a “poor choice” that does not reflect the values of the school or its football program. “This was the action of an individual student who made a poor choice, acting on a social media video not connected to our team or coaches,” the statement read.

Mims later shared that some Kalamazoo Central players personally apologized, saying they did not condone their teammate’s actions. 

In a letter to families, Lakeshore Public Schools Superintendent Greg Eding called the play “an intentional, unprovoked and flagrant violation of the rules and appropriate sports conduct.” He said the school is in close contact with Colton’s family and has implemented support measures so he can continue his education during recovery.

Both schools held a moment of prayer before the varsity game the following day as a sign of sportsmanship and solidarity.