Arizona State University (ASU) announced an independent review led by former Chief Justice Scott Bales of the Arizona Supreme Court following the tragic collapse of hockey player Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout in August. Mayich suffered from exertional heat stroke, which severely impaired blood flow to his brain, leaving him in critical condition and with limited hope for recovery, according to statements from his family’s attorney, Rob Carey.
Shock and Response
The incident occurred on the first day NCAA regulations allowed official team activities. This has raised serious questions about the planning and execution of workouts, particularly concerning athlete safety protocols. James Rund, ASU's Senior Vice President of Educational Outreach and Student Services, indicated in a memo to University President Michael Crow that Bales would be reviewing ASU’s findings and additional information submitted by the Mayich family’s attorneys, the hockey team's lawyers, and law enforcement officials.
The Mandate of the Review
Bales' review aims to generate comprehensive recommendations regarding outdoor athletic activities, analyzing everything from planning, approval processes, staffing, and policies to the usage of outside consultants in strength and conditioning practices. The ASU administration has requested a completed review by early December, emphasizing the necessity for swift action in response to the intense public scrutiny surrounding the incident.
Family's Perspective
While the Mayich family expressed satisfaction with the choice of Bales, they criticized the scope of his review. In a statement, they argued that Bales must focus on the immediate circumstances that led to the workout's execution, including why it was permitted under conditions that left players visibly distressed without adequate hydration or rest. They noted the striking parallels to the death of Maryland football player Jordan McNair in 2018, which followed a similar incident during a workout. McNair's death prompted Maryland's school administration to conduct an independent inquiry leading to fundamental changes in athletic training policies.
Community Outcry for Accountability
The Mayich family is calling for Bales to report to the Arizona Board of Regents rather than ASU’s own administration, fearing that the latter's inquiries might lack the necessary transparency and seriousness. They requested that Bales expand his investigation’s mandate to include vital questions about accountability for the incident, including potential rule violations by the school, the conference, and the NCAA.
Coaching Staff Under Review
As the investigation progresses, ASU has taken preliminary actions, placing hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave. This decision came after players expressed concerns about the coaching staff's involvement in the workout that led to Mayich's health crisis. Seven players anonymously urged the administration to suspend the coaches associated with that outdoor training session, fearing retribution for voicing their concerns.
Safety Measures and Preventative Actions
In light of the unfortunate events, ASU athletic director Graham Rossini stated his priority is the safety and well-being of student-athletes, indicating that the department is actively collecting information to advocate for necessary changes in procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The preliminary report revealed that the hockey coaching staff sought permission for former Green Beret Timothy Ziesel to speak with the team during a three-day team-building event; however, they failed to submit a proper training plan for review beforehand. This oversight raises concerns about the adherence to safety protocols.
Looking Ahead
The rapidly evolving situation has left the ASU athletic community in a state of emotional turmoil. With the season’s opener against Lindenwood looming, the administration faces pressing scrutiny from both the public and university stakeholders regarding the handling of training environments and athlete safety protocols. The Mayich family, as well as the community, eagerly await Bales' findings, hoping for answers that lead to substantial change.
As Arizona State University navigates this critical review, it must balance its commitment to athlete safety with the rigorous demands of collegiate sports. The haunting legacy of these recent events may well shape the future operational guidelines of not only ASU but also serve as a cautionary tale for athletics programs nationwide.
