TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The family of Florida Gators forward Keyontae Johnson released a statement Tuesday that stated his collapse nearly two months ago during a game was not related to a positive COVID-19 test.
In the statement, the family said experts at the local and national level reviewed relevant imaging and testing related to Johnson's case and reached a “unanimous conclusion" that his medical emergency was not associated with or a result of COVID.
The family added that Johnson “will spend the rest of the season focused on being the best coach and teammate he can be.”
The full statement is below:
"We are so grateful for the outpouring of support and well wishes for Keyontae and our entire family. We are also incredibly thankful for the medical care provided and the willingness of experts here and across the country to be involved in helping us better understand the events of December 12.
The 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 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.
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.
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.
Our focus now is on Keyontae’s academics and continued recovery. His resilience has been inspiring to watch. He will spend the rest of the season focused on being the best coach and teammate he can be. What comes next for Keyontae is for him to share on his own timeline."
Johnson spent 10 days in the hospital after collapsing following a timeout on Dec. 12 when the Gators played Florida State.
This story was first published by WTXL in Tallahassee, Florida.
