Keyontae Johnson Diagnosed With Heart Inflammation, Released From Hospital

Keyontae Johnson
(Photo : Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Florida Gators forward Keyontae Johnson was released from the hospital on Tuesday, ten days after collapsing midgame. He was diagnosed with a heart inflammation that may be related to his previous COVID-19 infection.

Florida Gators forward Keyontae Johnson has been diagnosed with heart inflammation and was released from the hospital on Tuesday, ten days after collapsing in their game against the Florida State Seminoles.

Doctors have detected an irritation on Johnson's heart muscle believed to be related to his previous COVID-19 infection.

Johnson, who collapsed during the first half of their game against the Seminoles, was first brought to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital before he was transferred to another hospital for further treatment. 

The MRI findings revealed that he has been suffering acute myocarditis, as per an expert with knowledge of the condition. The person chose to remain anonymous as the situation was deemed sensitive.

Keyontae Johnson, who was hailed as the SEC Preseason Player of the Year, will miss the remainder of the 2020-2021 season. The 21-year-old player will be out of the league for a minimum of three months.

Keyontae's parents, Marrecus and Nika Johnson, said that their son had been discharged from the hospital and they will be spending Christmas together.

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"We continue to be amazed at the pace of his recovery," Johnson's parents said.

Nika and Marrecus continued that "Along with so many well wishes and prayers, we've understandably gotten questions about the cause and extent of Keyontae's illness. As much as everyone involved wants firm answers, the process to draw definitive conclusions continues, and we ask for patience as the medical professionals continue their work."

Moreover, Keyontae Johnson's parents are dedicated to sharing the updates and information that could be helpful for their son's friends, teammates, and other concerned persons. 

Also, they said that they are thankful for the support that their son has received since the first day of the incident.

According to the Sun Sentinel,  Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari was the concerned citizen who would like to determine whether the forward's collapse can be linked to his positive COVID-19 test previously.

Keyontae Johnson contracted COVID-19 together with some of his teammates. Players from the University of Florida who have been infected will undergo an evaluation using an electrocardiogram. A blood test and an echocardiogram will be conducted according to the SEC protocols.

The tests will help detect an athlete's cardiac problems before they are permitted to play on-court.

Florida team physician Dr. Jay Clugston said in a statement on TV20 that there are increasing cases of cardiac problems from the virus. He added that they are monitoring the possibilities and effects to connect them with the former cases.

With Keyontae Johnson's findings of acute myocarditis, the process has yet to determine if it has a relation to COVID-19. Yet, this will be the start for the collegiate league to examine the players who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Nika and Marrecus Johnson declared last Tuesday that their son began breathing and speaking after undergoing a medically induced coma.

UF Athletics Director Scott Stricklin said that their athlete, Keyontae Johnson, was progressing continuously after undergoing several tests.

The Florida Gators agreed to postpone their remaining non-conference matches. The team will play against Vanderbilt Commodores on December 30.

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