Sideline Photographer Takes a Painful Groin Hit During Wisconsin-Rutgers Game: A Lesson in Occupational Hazards

A sideline photographer at the Wisconsin vs. Rutgers game learns that sometimes the sidelines can be just as dangerous as the field.

When the Sidelines Strike Back: A Lesson in Occupational Hazards

In college football, they say you should keep your eye on the ball. But what if the ball has its eye on you? Today's game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights offered a sideline photographer a lesson he won't soon forget.

Oct 7, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Tucker Ashcraft (38) celebrates with wide receiver Skyler Bell (11) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports / © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

A Targeted Attack?

The Rutgers quarterback Wimsatt, under duress, decided to throw the ball away. Little did our intrepid photographer know that he was about to become the unwilling star of a viral video. The ball made a beeline for his groin, and let's just say, it was a direct hit. The photographer, ever the professional, managed to protect his camera as he crumpled to the ground. Talk about dedication to the craft!

Can we get an injury update for the sideline photographer at the #Badgers vs #Rutgers game? Thinking of you dude. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/XX9YhVb5Vu

— Badger Steve 🧀🍺🦌 (@UW_Steve) October 7, 2023

Social Media's Field Day

Ah, the internet—where empathy and snark coexist in a delicate balance. Social media users had a heyday with this incident. Comments ranged from "That's gotta hurt!" to "He took one for the team, and by team, I mean his camera." The incident has sparked a debate on the ethics of laughing at another's misfortune, especially when it's a hit below the belt—literally.

Check out the POV shot from the photographer himself! 

@BarstoolBigCat

That's me. This is my story. https://t.co/3gtMc4ZSyU pic.twitter.com/ZDSSx9YFhZ

— Ethan Bacon (@ehbaconyt) October 7, 2023

While it's easy to chuckle at the photographer's misfortune, it also raises serious questions about safety measures for those capturing the action. Maybe it's time for sideline photographers to consider adding protective gear to their list of essential equipment. After all, a picture may be worth a thousand words, but some experiences are simply indescribable.