The lawyer representing Arizona State defenseman Matthew Mayich is calling out the university's investigation into the offseason workout that preceded the hockey player's collapse and subsequent coma.
Mayich, a sixth-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft, suffered what was described as a possible cardiac event during an off-campus workout, according to The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. Speaking with The Arizona Republic on Monday, Aug. 31, attorney Robert Carey said Mayich has "zero chance of recovery" and accused Arizona State of advancing an "unofficial narrative" about the circumstances surrounding the workout.
"My investigation shows the storyline is completely false," Carey told The Arizona Republic on Aug. 31. "This case has shattered (Mayich's) life. He deserves, and his family deserves, a proper investigation."
The workout took place at Arizona State's facilities on the morning of Aug. 20, the first day of the fall semester. According to The Arizona Republic, Tempe Fire Medical Rescue crews were dispatched to the track at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time following reports of a heat-related illness, with temperatures ranging between 87 and 89 degrees at the time.
Carey said Mayich showed signs of distress as the workout progressed and was unable to complete tasks as the workout progressed. According to Carey, players who spoke to him said the workout included a series of intensive workouts without standard breaks and that they were told not to complain, while water was available only to those who led exercises.
"He was disoriented and struggled well before he collapsed," Carey said.
Mayich remains at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.
Arizona State officials declined to comment on Carey's allegations to The Arizona Republic. The university promised a thorough review in a Tuesday, Aug. 25 statement after The Arizona Republic first identified Mayich.
Mayich transferred to Arizona State this past offseason from Clarkson University. Last season at Clarkson, the Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada native, finished with seven goals and eight assists in 34 games.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lawyer says ASU's narrative on Matthew Mayich's collapse is 'false'
Leave a Comment