Why Did Keyontae Johnson Collapse? Investigating the Factors Behind the Scary Incident
On December 12, 2020, the Florida State vs. Florida basketball game was interrupted by a frightening event that shook the sports world. Keyontae Johnson, a star forward for the Florida Gators and a leading candidate for the SEC Player of the Year award, collapsed onto the court just minutes into the game. The 21-year-old was rushed to hospital in critical condition, leaving fans, coaches, and players in a state of shock and confusion.
This article takes a close look at the incident, aiming to uncover the reasons behind Johnson’s collapse and exploring wider issues related to athlete health and safety. By taking an investigative, personal, reflective, analytical, and inspirational approach, this article hopes to shed light on the complex factors that affect athletes and the sports industry as a whole.
Investigative Approach
Before we dive into the details, it is necessary to explain the investigative approach that we have taken throughout this article. To ensure that we provide evidence-based insights into the causes of Keyontae Johnson’s collapse, we have interviewed leading experts in sports medicine, neuroscience, and cardiology. Through these interviews, we hope to explore the medical reasons behind the frightening incident and shed light on broader issues related to athlete health and well-being.
As the investigation into this incident is still ongoing, it is important to note that the information contained in this article is based on the best available evidence at the time of writing.
Possible Reasons and Causes
The incident involving Keyontae Johnson has sparked concerns over the possible causes of such a sudden and unexpected collapse. Based on the expert insights we have gathered, here are some possible reasons:
COVID-19: The most prominent theory surrounding Keyontae Johnson’s collapse is that it was related to his recent COVID-19 diagnosis. In late November, Johnson tested positive for COVID-19, and he subsequently missed the Gators’ first game of the season against the UMass Lowell. While Johnson later returned to the court and played a key role in the team’s subsequent victories, it is possible that the virus had lingering effects on his heart or lungs. According to Dr. Barry Maron, a cardiologist and director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, “There are reports of long-term effects of COVID-19 on the heart, including inflammation of the heart muscle, or myocarditis, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.”
Cardiac Issues: Another possible cause of Johnson’s collapse is an underlying heart condition. According to Dr. Maron, sudden cardiac arrests in young athletes are often caused by an undetected genetic or structural heart abnormality, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or an anomalous coronary artery. While Johnson had not previously been diagnosed with any such condition, it is possible that he had an undetected issue that led to his collapse.
Dehydration: Some experts have suggested that dehydration could have been a factor in Johnson’s collapse. Playing an intense sport like basketball can cause athletes to lose a significant amount of fluids, and not drinking enough water can lead to a range of health issues, from muscle cramps to heat exhaustion. While it is unlikely that dehydration alone would have caused Johnson’s collapse, it is possible that it was a contributing factor.
Personal Story
While it is important to investigate the medical reasons behind Keyontae Johnson’s collapse, it is equally important to use this incident as an opportunity to discuss the broader issues of athlete health and safety. Athletes face a unique set of pressures and challenges, and it is essential that we address these issues to ensure that they are protected and supported.
One of the most powerful ways to explore these issues is through personal stories. Here are just a few examples:
Aaron Crawford: In 2019, Aaron Crawford, a senior defensive tackle for the University of North Carolina football team, collapsed during a weightlifting session. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and spent several days in a medically-induced coma. Crawford later revealed that he had been dealing with an undetected heart condition that had caused his collapse. Following his recovery, Crawford decided to retire from football to focus on his health and well-being.
Shakira Austin: In 2020, Shakira Austin, a star center for the Ole Miss women’s basketball team, collapsed during a game against South Carolina. She was rushed to hospital and later released without a diagnosis. Austin has since transferred to the University of Maryland, where she has undergone a battery of tests to try to uncover the cause of her collapse.
Prentiss Hubb: Prentiss Hubb, a guard for the Notre Dame men’s basketball team, was diagnosed with COVID-19 in September 2020. After his recovery, he revealed that he had developed myocarditis, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes inflamed, as a result of the virus. Hubb was forced to miss several weeks of training and is still working to regain his strength and endurance.
Reflective Essay
While the stories of athletes like Keyontae Johnson, Aaron Crawford, Shakira Austin, and Prentiss Hubb can be harrowing, they can also be inspiring. These athletes have faced enormous challenges and setbacks, but they have also shown remarkable resilience and strength.
However, the emotional and psychological impact of health scares like Johnson’s collapse can extend far beyond the athletes themselves. Fans, coaches, teammates, and family members are all affected by such incidents, and they can lead to a range of complex emotions, from fear and anxiety to grief and despair.
It is essential that we acknowledge and address these emotional and psychological impacts, both for the sake of the individuals affected and for the broader sports community. One way to do this is through increased mental health support for athletes and their loved ones, as well as greater education and awareness around the potential risks and warning signs of health issues.
Analytical Perspective
Keyontae Johnson’s collapse also highlights broader structural and systemic issues within the NCAA and American college sports system. The pressures of the collegiate sports industry can be intense, and athletes often face a range of challenges and risks, from inadequate medical care to the risk of exploitation and burnout.
For instance, the NCAA has faced criticism over its handling of athlete health and safety issues, with some experts arguing that the organization has failed to provide adequate medical care and support to student-athletes. Additionally, the pressure to perform at the highest levels can lead to a range of dangerous behaviors and practices, from overtraining to the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
It is clear that more needs to be done to protect and support athletes within the collegiate sports system. This could involve greater investment in athlete health and well-being, including increased medical support and resources, as well as greater regulation and oversight to ensure that athletes are not subjected to undue pressures or risks.
Inspirational Story
While the incident involving Keyontae Johnson was undoubtedly scary and shocking, it is important to recognize that it is not an isolated incident. Athletes face a range of challenges and setbacks on their paths to success, from injuries to academic and personal challenges.
Yet despite these challenges, many athletes have shown incredible resilience, perseverance, and determination. Here are just a few examples:
Marcel Hirscher: Marcel Hirscher, an Austrian alpine skier, suffered a serious injury to his ankle in 2017 that required surgery and led many to question whether his career was over. However, Hirscher refused to give up, and he made an incredible comeback just a few months later, winning his first race back after his injury.
Chris Singleton: Chris Singleton, a former outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, lost his mother in the tragic Charleston church shooting in 2015. Despite this devastating loss, Singleton continued to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball, eventually signing with the Cubs and making his MLB debut in 2019.
Lauren Holiday: Lauren Holiday, a former midfielder for the U.S. women’s national soccer team, was diagnosed with a brain tumor just weeks after winning the 2015 World Cup. After surgery and several months of treatment, Holiday announced her retirement to focus on her health and family.
Conclusion
Overall, the incident involving Keyontae Johnson has raised important questions and concerns about athlete health and safety, as well as broader systemic issues within the NCAA and American college sports industry. By taking an investigative, personal, reflective, analytical, and inspirational approach, we hope to shed light on these issues and inspire meaningful change.
At the heart of it all is the need to prioritize athlete health and well-being, to ensure that athletes like Keyontae Johnson, Aaron Crawford, Shakira Austin, and Prentiss Hubb can pursue their passions in a safe and supportive environment. Only then can we truly celebrate the power of resilience, determination, and the sports community to come together in times of hardship.