Florida attacker Keyontae Johnson’s collapse during a game two months ago was “ unrelated to or the result of a previous or current ” COVID-19 diagnosis, his family said in a statement Wednesday.
Johnson was rushed to a local hospital on December 12 after falling face on the field after a timeout in the first half of a game against Florida state in Tallahassee. He was listed in critical but stable condition, school officials said, before being flown with his mother by his side days later to a hospital in Gainesville, where he slowly recovered and began communicating with his family and friends in the days that followed.
Like most of his teammates, Johnson tested positive for COVID-19 over the summer. The coronavirus can lead to myocarditis, a viral infection of the heart muscle.
“The treating physicians at the University of Florida Health have consulted other local and state experts who have reviewed the relevant imaging and testing associated with this case,” the family statement said. “The unanimous conclusion of all experts is that Keyontae’s medical emergency was unrelated to or the result of a previous or current Covid diagnosis.”
According to the statement, the consultation team included physicians from the Cardiac and Vascular Institute of Gainesville, University of Washington Center for Sports Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Yale University School of Medicine.
The school did not disclose Johnson’s diagnosis or say what caused him to collapse in December. Since he rejoined the team in late December, Johnson has been on the sidelines of the Gators, but has not competed. According to his family, he won’t be playing anymore this season and will focus on his recovery.
“We remain committed to sharing any information that could help others. We hope that the experts’ conclusion that this case is not Covid-related will bring some peace of mind,” the family statement said. “Our focus now is on Keyontae’s academics and ongoing recovery. His resilience was inspiring to see. He will spend the rest of the season aiming to be the best coach and teammate he can be. Which comes next for Keyontae , is that he shares it on his own timeline. “
Johnson averaged 19.5 points entering the Florida State game and was projected as a first-round prospect in ESPN’s mock draft.