During today’s college football game between the Georgia Bulldogs and Auburn Tigers, a photographer on the sideline was knocked unconscious when a Georgia wide receiver knocked her over as he ran out of bounds following a short pass play.
Please say a prayer for #ChamberlainSmith. Photographer injured in the Georgia – Auburn game. pic.twitter.com/QxgBn1nnnz
— Doug Fuller (@DougFuller1975) November 17, 2019
University of Georgia student photographer, Chamberlain Smith, was put in a neck brace and taken off the field on a stretcher following the hard collision.
I am told Chamberlain Smith, the photographer who was injured, is responsive, can move all of her extremities and is being checked for an orbital fracture and concussion protocol. Continued prayers and well wishes go out to her. It’s a dangerous job. Godspeed.
— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) November 17, 2019
According to reports, Smith was responsive on the stretcher and was able to move all of her extremities, but was taken to the hospital to be checked for an orbital fracture and a concussion. It’s since been confirmed that Smith was released from the hospital, but there are no details on the extent of her injuries.
Great news. UGA student photographer Chamberlain Smith has been released from the hospital.
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 17, 2019
Brian Herrien, the receiver who ran into Smith, was extremely concerned about her wellbeing and had to be told by officials to go to his sideline following the incident. After the game he shared the below tweet:
My heart goes out to her and her family I prayed for her well being as we took a knee ???? https://t.co/L8Vmz3Ffse
— Brian Herrien (@brianherrienn) November 17, 2019
Gary Danielson, one of the college football analysts providing color commentary for the game, has taken heat across social media for chuckling at the photographer on the ground following the collision and subsequently making insensitive comments:
gary danielson has been trash for a very long time, and this incident really illustrates just how much trash he is. pic.twitter.com/oFU6nr8Rxk
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) November 16, 2019
Football photography might not seem dangerous, but when you’re looking through the viewfinder, you never know what can happen. Consider this a reminder to always be vigilant about your surroundings.
We would like to wish Smith the best in her recovery.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)