University of Florida basketball star Keyontae Johnson still critical after collapsing during game

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — University of Florida basketball star Keyontae Johnson was in critical but stable condition after collapsing during the first half of Saturday’s game against Florida State University.

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Johnson, a 6-foot-5 junior from Norfolk, Virginia, collapsed after the Gators were coming out of a timeout. Johnson had just scored on a dunk after an alley-oop pass to give Florida an 11-3 lead when he fell near midcourt, the Gainesville Sun reported.

Update 12:58 p.m. ET Dec. 13: University of Florida basketball forward Keyontae Johnon remained in “critical but stable condition” at a Tallahassee hospital, the school announced in a news release Sunday.

“We appreciate all the medical personnel who have helped Keyontae,” Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said in the release. “Keyontae received terrific care on site by the FSU staff and at Tallahassee Memorial, which has worked in consultation with UF Health. We’re glad his parents can be by his side, and they all feel the support of Gator Nation.”

Original report: Johnson was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, the newspaper reported. The American Hospital Association defines a patient in critical but stable condition as having “vital signs that are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.”

Coach Mike White canceled postgame interviews after the Gators’ 83-71 loss to join Johnson at the hospital, ESPN reported. According to school officials, White will remain with Johnson at the hospital overnight.

The game was resumed after Johnson was taken to the hospital, and FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said he left that decision up to White and the Gators.

“I told our staff I was going to let them make that decision. It was totally up to them and whatever they thought was in the best interest of their team, then I would accept it and act accordingly,” Hamilton told reporters. “Our administration asked me. I just told them I would be OK with whatever they decided, and it’s my understanding that they wanted to play.”

Johnson tested positive for COVID-19 during the summer, along with many of his teammates, according to The Associated Press. While the cause of Johnson’s ailment was not immediately known, the coronavirus can lead to myocarditis, a viral infection of the heart muscle, the AP reported.

“I know you’re fighting bro,” teammate Tre Mann tweeted after the game. “God got you.”

Cox Media Group