Arizona State University is conducting an investigation into a strenuous team workout that rendered hockey player Matthew Mayich incapacitated. Family attorney Rob Carey appeared on ‘Fox & Friends First’ to discuss the incident, calling for accountability from athletic officials.
A letter from seven Arizona State Sun Devils hockey players requests that their head coach Greg Powers and his staff be placed on administrative leave. This demand follows a workout leaving a teammate in a coma and on life support in August. Fearful of retaliation, the players submitted a 26-page letter through an attorney to ASU president Michael Crow, challenging the university’s initial review of the August 20 workout.
The initial university review cited improper hydration and inadequate medical response after Mayich collapsed. However, according to the players’ letter, the situation was more severe. The players refute the university’s claim of a water break occurring 20 minutes into the session. They say the break happened 40 minutes into the 75-minute workout and was brief. Only eight players managed to hydrate because they were the first to complete a drill.
The players also allege that the former U.S. Army Green Beret running the workout admitted forgetting the water break, mentioning his experience of not drinking water during combat missions. They reported Mayich showed signs of distress early on, becoming disoriented during exercises.
When Mayich collapsed, players claim he remained in direct sunlight for several minutes. This contradicts ASU’s report stating that he sat upright twice. They allege the only cooling measures available were towels, water bottles, and a garden hose in the high Arizona heat.
During previous outdoor workouts, players noted they typically lasted around 15 minutes. The players criticized Coach Powers for downplaying the severity, describing Mayich’s condition as a ‘little heat stroke’ while emphasizing the workout’s role in their progress towards the Frozen Four.
Arizona State’s head coach did not comment on the incident, citing it as a difficult time for the program. Those involved expressed a lack of awareness of the incident’s severity from the coaching staff. The team’s upcoming season begins against Lindenwood on Friday.
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