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Matthew Mayich, 21, remains in a coma more than a month after collapsing during an outdoor, military-style training session in the Arizona heat in August. His teammates described the news as devastating, heartbreaking and shocking.
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Mayich’s parents say he suffered heatstroke. Following an internal investigation, Arizona State University said an athletic trainer assessed Mayich and began treating him with iced towels and cool water. His teammates, however, contend that the university’s account does not tell the full story, and their attorney says the players are not comfortable speaking publicly because they fear retaliation.
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Attorney Tim Casey represents seven ASU hockey players who submitted an anonymous letter. In it, they allege that “Matthew received no water” and that the workout continued after several players showed signs of distress, including vomiting. The university declined to answer questions about the August 20 session.
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Before head coach Greg Powers was placed on leave, he was asked about Mayich’s condition and said he could not comment. The players’ attorney said the team normally trains indoors, making an outdoor workout in August unusual. He accused the university of “circling the wagons” and failing to conduct a complete, faithful and transparent investigation, adding that he believes there has been a cover-up. Powers has since released a statement supporting the university’s decision to place him on administrative leave while the circumstances surrounding the workout are reviewed. He said he intends to cooperate with the investigation.