Matthew Mayich, a hockey player for Arizona State University, is currently in a coma after collapsing at an outdoor team workout. According to the family's lawyer, Robert Carey, Matthew has "zero chance of recovery."
Videos by Wide Open Country
Carey addressed Matthew's health issues during a recent interview with The Arizona Republic.
"He was disoriented and struggled well before he collapsed," Carey said.
After collapsing, Matthew was taken to a nearby hospital. He was then transferred to Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, where he has remained since, with his family by his side.
Since Matthew's collapse, ASU has been pushing an unofficial narrative that the outdoor workout was slow-paced and easy, per The Arizona Republic. However, the outlet has reported that players who were in attendance for the workout have privately noted that the workout was "unbearably hard."
"Players were allegedly told not to complain, and water was available only to those who led exercises — and whatever was left went to those who trailed, according to Carey," The New York Post reports. "Carey claimed the players fear retaliation, such as the loss of scholarships or positions, if they speak out."
The situation is currently under investigation, with no further details currently being made available.
A Former Green Beret Ran the Practice Where Matthew Mayich Collapsed
The outdoor practice session was run by retired special forces veteran Tom Ziesel. And while he had left the practice before Matthew collapsed, his attorney was still on hand to speak with The Arizona Republic.
"This was not a Green Beret or SEAL workout. Far from it," Buddy Rake, Ziesel's attorney, said. "The head coach, assistant coaches and medical were always present."
This isn't the first time Ziesel has run workouts for a collegiate program. In fact, he's ran similar routines at other colleges. Matthew's collapse came on the first of three planned days with Ziesel leading the workouts.
"Obviously, he is devastated by what's happened to this kid," Rake said. "This is a horrible event that should be thoroughly and objectively investigated."
Collegiate sports operate on a highly competitive level. That's why an investigation into the workout is so important. Until then, it's unlikely any new information is made available to the public.
