Cincinnati football official Jim Abbott recovers following leg amputation

Jim Abbott, a longtime football and basketball official, underwent an above-the-knee amputation of his right leg following a collision during a scrimmage on August 14 at Withrow High School. Abbott, an umpire, suffered a dislocated knee during the play, which led to severe circulation complications due to prior medical hardware in his leg. He is currently undergoing inpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation. A GoFundMe page established by his niece, Ashley Sevier, has exceeded its $30,000 goal to assist with medical and living costs. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel visited Abbott on August 28 to support his recovery. Abbott expressed a desire to return to his family farm and officiating after his rehabilitation. He also stated his intent to meet the player involved in the collision to reassure him that the injury was an unavoidable part of the game.

• 7:05 PMYahoo Sports — GoFundMe set up to help longtime referee Abbott after leg amputation