Referee's accidental collision fractures player's leg during East Carolina Pirates game
David Coleman Jr, a defensive back for the East Carolina Pirates, suffered a fractured fibula after colliding with a referee during a game against the Temple Owls.

In Brief
- •David Coleman Jr, a defensive back for the East Carolina Pirates, suffered a fractured fibula after colliding with a referee during a game against the Temple Owls.
- •The incident occurred at East Carolina Pirates' Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, with the referee slipping and sliding into Coleman Jr, causing the player to tumble onto the turf.
- •Coleman Jr was carried off the field by teammates to avoid putting weight on his injured leg, and an X-ray confirmed the fracture.
- •Despite the injury, East Carolina secured a 17-9 victory over Temple, with Coleman Jr recording one tackle before leaving the game.
- •The incident is particularly unusual as it resulted from an accidental collision with a match official rather than contact with an opposing player.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the potential risks and unpredictability of sports events, where even match officials can be involved in unexpected collisions. It also underscores the importance of proper safety measures and protocols in place to prevent such accidents. The event serves as a reminder of the physical demands and risks faced by athletes, as well as the need for robust medical support during games.
Key Details
- Location
- East Carolina Pirates' Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
- Teams
- East Carolina Pirates vs. Temple Owls
- Score
- East Carolina 17-9 Temple
- Injury
- Fractured fibula
- Player
- David Coleman Jr
- Position
- Defensive back
Original Reporting & Sources
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