*Florida Gators star forward Keyontae Johnson continues to be in critical but stable condition at a Tallahassee hospital after collapsing during a game Saturday following a timeout.
Johnson, the Southeastern Conference’s preseason player of the year, was taken off the court on a stretcher after falling head first onto the court while coming out of a timeout during the first half of Florida’s game against rival Florida State. He had just dunked in transition before the timeout. Johnson was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital as shocked teammates, opposing players and both coaching staffs looked on, many in tears.
Like many of his Florida teammates, Johnson tested positive for COVID-19 during the summer. Although the cause of Johnson’s ailment was not immediately known, the coronavirus can lead to myocarditis, a viral infection of the heart muscle. At its most severe, myocarditis can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and has been a documented cause of death for young, otherwise healthy athletes.
Florida Athletics Director Scott Stricklin said in a statement that Johnson’s family is with him in Tallahassee. “We appreciate all the medical personnel who have helped Keyontae,” Stricklin said. “Keyontae received terrific care on site by the FSU staff and at Tallahassee Memorial, which has worked in consultation with UF Health. We’re glad his parents can be by his side, and they all feel the support of Gator Nation.”
Florida coach Mike White remains with Johnson in Tallahassee alongside Dave Werner, Florida’s associate AD for sports health.
Watch a report on Keyontae’s collapse below:
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