Ohio high school football official has leg amputated following injury during game
Cleveland
Last updated: August 25, 2026
A high school football official in Ohio, Jim Abbott, suffered a severe injury during a scrimmage game. The injury necessitated the amputation of his leg.
- Jim Abbott was officiating a scrimmage at Withrow High School in Cincinnati on August 14th.
- During the play, Abbott became involved in a tackle attempt on a running back.
- The incident resulted in a serious injury to Abbott's leg.
- Following the injury, Abbott's leg had to be amputated.
- The event occurred during a preseason scrimmage, not a regular season game.
- The exact nature of the "mix-up" in the tackle attempt is not detailed, but it led to the severe injury.
- Abbott's condition and subsequent amputation highlight the physical risks associated with officiating, even in non-game situations like scrimmages.
- The incident underscores the potential dangers faced by sports officials on the field of play.