Florida calling off Wednesday's game after Keyontae Johnson's collapse
The Florida men’s basketball team’s midweek game against North Florida has been canceled, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Gainesville Sun, in order for the program to focus on Keyontae Johnson’s continued recovery.
A decision on whether or not to move forward with Florida’s contest Saturday against Florida Atlantic is expected by Thursday, if not sooner, the person said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive and fluid nature of the situation.
Administration officials have had preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of cancelling the remainder of the non-conference schedule, yet nothing has been finalized.
Johnson collapsed Saturday against Florida State and was taken to a local Tallahassee hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma as doctors further evaluated Johnson.
The junior forward had yet to regain consciousness earlier Monday, although Florida officials said Johnson was “following simple commands” by Monday afternoon.
Johnson’s grandfather, Larry DeJarnett, confirmed to USA Today that doctors planned on bringing Florida’s star forward out of a medically induced coma by Monday afternoon.
"They’re just not sure," DeJarnett told Paste BN Sports. "He may have had activity in the brain, so they induced the coma. They put him on medication to keep him sedated."
It's unclear if Johnson's condition is connected to COVID-19, or if he had previously tested positive. Florida had to pause team activities last month because of positive COVID-19 tests, and coach Mike White said the team also had previous issues, but details were not released because of privacy laws.
After the Associated Press reported Johnson was previously diagnosed with COVID-19, DeJarnett told Paste BN Sports he did not know whether Johnson ever suffered from the virus.
"I know that there was some of the times when some of the team was quarantined, yes,” DeJarnett said. “I don’t know if he was one of them or not.”
Later Monday, Florida posted the following on its Twitter account:
"We, along with his family, are so thankful for the outpouring of love & support for Keyontae as we continue to lift him up in collective thoughts & prayers. For those that want to send letters or cards send to P.O. Box 14485, Gainesville, Fl., 32604 C/O UF administration."