Florida Gators Star Diagnosed With Myocarditis; No Basketball For Three Months

KEY POINTS

Keyontae Johnson will miss at least three months after being diagnosed with acute myocarditis
Johnson is likely to miss the remainder of Gators' 2020-21 season
Universities are likely to be required to conduct tests on their student-athletes

University of Florida basketball player Keyontae Johnson has been released from the hospital and will spend the holidays with his family at home.

It appears he will have an extended vacation from the sport as well after doctors diagnosed him with an illness possibly linked to COVID-19.

When he was released, the real reason behind Johnson’s collapse in their game against the Florida State Seminoles remained a mystery.

A day after his discharge, it was found that the 25-year-old was diagnosed with acute myocarditis. In a report from USA Today, this may have links to the earlier contraction of COVID-19.

It was in the summer when Johnson and some players had reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus. As most had feared, there was a link to that with his recent collapse at center court against the Seminoles.

Johnson was coming off a team timeout when he suddenly fell face-first somewhere near center court. He was immediately given medical attention and rushed to the Tallahassee Memorial. He was eventually transferred to UF Health in Gainesville, Florida.

The 6-foot-5 cager was also placed in a medically induced coma due to some brain activity. He woke up and responded well to that episode.

From there, Johnson showed great progress and was in high spirits. He even thanked everyone for their prayers and support.

Now, Johnson faces another challenge as he is forced to sit out for at least three months. At any rate, he will miss the rest of the 2020-21 season for the Gators.

He will be a big loss to head coach Mike White. Johnson has been putting up big numbers for Florida, averaging 14.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

This development may also prompt universities to take necessary measures on their end. The case of Johnson is life-threatening, especially for the ones who previously tested positive for COVID-19.

Teams are likely to conduct further tests to make sure that other players do not go through the same harrowing experience as Johnson.