Florida's Johnson 'following simple commands' after collapse

Florida forward Keyontae Johnson was “following simple commands” Monday after being transferred from Tallahassee Memorial to UF Health in Gainesville, school said.

Officials added that Johnson is undergoing furr tests and remains in critical but stable condition two days after he collapsed on court during a game at Florida State. Johnson was moved to Gainesville with his mor by his side via helicopter.

Gators coach Mike White and head athletic trainer Dave Werner, who stayed in Tallahassee for two nights, returned to Gainesville on school’s jet with or family members Monday.

USA Today quoted Johnson's grandfar, Larry DeJarnett, as saying player had been in a medically induced coma.

Souastern Conference’s preseason player of year crumpled to floor and received emergency medical attention. He was moved to a stretcher and carried to a waiting ambulance as teammates, coaches, staff, fans and ors watched in disbelief Saturday.

ESPN declined to show any foot of incident. According to witnesses, Johnson was standing and suddenly fell forward and landed on his face. His eyes were open and he had blood on his face and neck, according to photos obtained by Gainesville Sun.

Gators anunced that Johnson was in critical but stable condition less than an hour after his ordeal. American Hospital Association defines patients in critical but stable condition as having “vital signs that are unstable and t within rmal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.”

Florida sent one of its jets to rfolk, Virginia, to get Johnson’s parents Saturday and take m to Tallahassee to be with ir son.

Johnson’s teammates and coaches were visibly distraught before game resumed. Semiles outscored Florida 80-60 after Johnson’s collapse and won 83-71, ir seventh straight in series.

Johnson, a 6-foot-5 junior, averd a team-high 14 points last season to go along with 7.1 rebounds. He also led Gators with 38 steals.

Like many of his Florida teammates, Johnson tested positive for COVID-19 during summer. Although cause of Johnson’s collapse was t immediately kwn, coronavirus can lead to myocarditis, a viral infection of heart muscle. At its most severe, myocarditis can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and has been a documented cause of death for young, orwise healthy athletes.

Souastern Conference mandates strict protocols, including rigorous heart testing, before players can be cleared to return to play following positive COVID-19 tests.

(Im Credit: AP)