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Florida forward Keyontae Johnson collapsed during the Gators’ game against Florida State on December 12. Johnson, who tested positive for COVID-19 during the summer, was released from the hospital 10 days after the incident but was diagnosed with a heart inflammation, which USA Today reported was “associated with COVID-19.”
It turns out that Johnson’s collapse was “not related to or a result of a previous or current” COVID-19 diagnosis, his family put out in a statement.
“University of Florida Health treating physicians consulted with other local and national experts who reviewed the relevant imaging and testing related to this case,” the family’s statement said. “The unanimous conclusion of all experts is that Keyontae’s medical emergency was not related to or a result of a previous or current Covid diagnosis.”
“We continue to be committed to sharing any information that could be helpful to others. Our hope is that the experts’ conclusion that this instance is not Covid-related will bring some peace of mind.”
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.
Johnson’s grandfather, Larry DeJarnett, explained after the incident that his grandson was transported to Gainesville, FL one the Monday following Saturday’s contest after initial treatment in Tallahassee and that doctors were hoping to bring Johnson out of a medically induced coma that Monday afternoon. The school put out a statement explaining that Johnson was “in critical but stable condition and is “following simple commands” following the initial reports of the coma.
Johnson has rejoined his teammates, but he will not play again this season. His family explained in the statement that what’s next for Keyontae is for him to share on his own time.