Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A veteran high school sports official is focused on recovery after a devastating injury during a football scrimmage led to the loss of his leg. On August 14, Jim Abbott was officiating a routine scrimmage at Withrow High School. He was serving as the Umpire, positioned behind the defensive line. During one play, Abbott remembers the running back coming toward him before he got caught up in the tackle. The next thing he knew, he was on the ground. Abbott was rushed to UC Medical Center, where he said he received outstanding care from the staff. However, his injury was especially serious due to a knee replacement he had nearly a decade ago. The damage was so severe that his leg had to be amputated above the knee.
A veteran high school sports official is focused on recovery after a devastating injury during a football scrimmage led to the loss of his leg. On August 14, Jim Abbott was officiating a routine scrimmage at Withrow High School. He was serving as the Umpire, positioned behind the defensive line. During one play, Abbott remembers the running back coming toward him before he got caught up in the tackle. The next thing he knew, he was on the ground. Abbott was rushed to UC Medical Center, where he said he received outstanding care from the staff. However, his injury was especially serious due to a knee replacement he had nearly a decade ago. The damage was so severe that his leg had to be amputated above the knee.
