University Of Florida’s Keyontae Johnson In Critical But Stable Condition After Collapse; ‘Following Simple Commands’

University of Florida basketball player Keyontae Johnson is still in critical but stable condition, but he is “following simple commands.” 

Johnson fell face-first as he was headed back onto the court after a first-half timeout during Florida’s game against Florida State on Saturday, ESPN reports. The player immediately received medical attention and was taken to Tallahassee Memorial. Johnson’s collapse has not been linked to any underlying issue, however, it was reported that the baller tested positive for Covid-19 during the summer. 

On Monday, the school issued a statement, saying that Johnson is in critical but stable condition and is “following simple commands.” After his two-day stay at  Tallahassee Memorial, he was transferred to UF Health in Gainesville, Florida.

Johnson’s grandfather, Larry DeJarnett told USA Today that Johnson was medically induced coma and that doctors are hoping to bring him out of it that afternoon. Florida team spokesperson Denver Parler said that that team did not practice on Monday, but the workout facility was open to those who wanted to lift weights or exercise. The team is set to go up against North Florida on Wednesday in Gainesville, but Parler says he’s not sure how the team will move forward. “Not sure what tomorrow or Wednesday will bring,” Parler told ESPN.

Despite Johnson not having Covid-19 at the time, coronavirus can lead to myocarditis, a viral infection that can lead to inflammation of the heart muscle, the outlet reports.