What Happened
John and Christina Mayich, parents of Arizona State defenceman Matthew Mayich, released a statement Tuesday through attorney Rob Carey asking that the coaches who ran the Aug. 20 outdoor workout be removed until an independent investigation concludes. Their statement backed an anonymous letter seven Arizona State players sent to university president Michael Crow on Monday, which requested the coaches be placed on administrative leave and an interim staff be installed. The players cited discrepancies from an initial Arizona State probe.
Key Details
- Mayich, 21, collapsed during an outdoor workout on the first day the NCAA allows official activities.
- Carey said Mayich suffered external heat stroke that reduced oxygen flow to his brain and is unlikely to recover.
- The players' letter was sent anonymously through an attorney because they feared retribution from the coaching staff.
- The players asked for an interim coaching staff if the coaches involved are placed on leave.
- Arizona State police are investigating; a report will go to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for independent review.
- Mayich was drafted by the St. Louis Blues.
What It Means
The case has moved beyond a single campus incident into a question of who oversees the program while investigators work. The players' request for an interim staff reflects concern about reporting to the same coaches under scrutiny. With the police report headed to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, the university faces pressure to address accountability and player safety before the season progresses.
What's Next
The Arizona State police investigation continues, and its report will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for independent review. It is not known whether the university will place any coaches on leave or name an interim staff.