ASU Hockey Player Collapses: Family Blasts University Probe

Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old Arizona State University hockey player, collapsed during an outdoor military-style workout on August 20 and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. His family's attorney, Rob Carey, has publicly stated that ASU is mishandling the investigation into the incident.

Carey, a former deputy attorney general, claims the university "seems to be circling the wagons" and is not acting responsibly. He described the workout as "grueling, onerous and dangerous," directly contradicting statements from the instructor's attorney, who described it as not particularly difficult for Division I athletes.

The training session, which occurred on the first day of ASU's fall semester, reportedly lasted about an hour and involved strenuous exercises with penalties for lagging behind. The instructor, Tim Ziesel, is a non-university employee.

ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini stated the university is conducting a review, not an investigation, to "understand the scenario." However, Carey argued that placing coaches and staff on administrative leave is routine procedure during such probes to prevent witness influence.

Concerns about the workout's intensity are compounded by weather conditions on August 20 in Tempe, where an 86-degree temperature with 51 percent humidity and no wind suggested a need for significant breaks during exercise, according to National Weather Service recommendations.

Rod Walters, a national director of athlete safety, advised that independent reviews outside the university typically yield more accurate results, citing past cases where internal reviews found no issues despite problems. He emphasized the importance of an unbiased process for all stakeholders.