Ex-Green Beret Denies Role in Player Collapse

An ex-Green Beret, Tim Ziesel, who led a military-style workout for the Arizona State University hockey team, states he had already left the premises before player Matthew Mayich collapsed and was subsequently hospitalized. Ziesel's lawyer asserted that his client was unaware of the player's distress as it occurred approximately 20 minutes after Ziesel concluded his team-building routine.

Mayich experienced an apparent cardiac event on August 20, the first day of classes. The incident occurred during an outdoor exercise at the Joe Selleh Track, where temperatures were between 87 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit. He was rushed to a hospital and later transferred to Barrow Neurological Institute, where he remains in a coma. ASU has initiated a review into the circumstances surrounding the workout.

University officials have been reticent to discuss the workout or Ziesel's involvement. Athletic Director Graham Rossini has stated the review is to understand the scenario rather than investigate wrongdoing. Ziesel, who has led similar sessions for college athletes in previous years and received positive feedback, has referred inquiries to the university, though his lawyer claims no university officials have contacted Ziesel.

Meanwhile, daily prayer services for Mayich have drawn significant attendance, with family and friends expressing gratitude for the global support. Mayich, a sophomore defenseman from Ontario, Canada, was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2023. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.