Arizona State University has placed its hockey coach, Greg Powers, on paid administrative leave following the collapse of player Matthew Mayich during a workout on August 20. Mayich, a 21-year-old sophomore, remains hospitalized and is “unlikely to recover,” according to his family’s attorney. The incident occurred during a “wind-down” exercise involving a medicine ball, with temperatures ranging from 86 to 89 degrees. Mayich struggled, stumbled, and fell, and despite attempts to cool him down, his condition worsened. Mayich’s parents have criticized the decision to only place Powers on leave, arguing that more staff should be held accountable. Seven players have contested the school’s account, claiming the workout was improperly managed, lasted too long, and lacked adequate water breaks. They also noted that Mayich was not given water during the session.
QUESTION: How might the handling of this incident influence future safety protocols in college sports?
ASU hockey coach put on leave after player collapsed during workout
