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Florida Gators Basketball Star Hospitalized After Collapsing During Game

Keyontae Johnson tested positive for COVID over the summer.

University of Florida Gators basketball star Keyontae Johnson remains in critical but stable condition after collapsing during a game Saturday (Dec. 12) against Florida State Seminoles in Tallahassee, Fla. 

The incident occurred just after the Gators completed an alley-oop on a pass from Johnson’s teammate Tyree Appleby, ESPN reports. Johnson celebrated with the team, and walked to the sideline. As soon as the huddle broke, the junior forward collapsed on the court.

Johnson was given emergency medical treatment, taken to the locker room and rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where the coach remained with him overnight. Meanwhile, his teammates returned to Gainesville. 

"Please keep praying for ⁦‪@Keyontae‬⁩ and his family. We all love him,"  wrote head coach Mike White on Twitter.

Johnson's parents were flying from Virginia to Tallahassee to be with their son, the report notes.

Johnson and most of his teammates tested positive for COVID-19 during the summer, according to The Associated Press. While the cause of the collapse is unknown, a study released in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health reveals that the coronavirus can lead to myocarditis, a viral infection of the heart muscle.

Florida, with a 3-1 record, was up 11-3 prior to the incident. But the Florida State Seminoles, who are undefeated this season, went on to win with a victory of 83-71.

Johnson has averaged 19.7 points per game this season, and is a leading candidate for SEC Player of the Year and is also considered to be an NBA prospect, according to ESPN.

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