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Report: Florida hoops star Keyontae Johnson likely to miss remainder of season due to diagnosis of a heart condition

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

The most important news is that Keyontae Johnson is home and recovering with his family, but it is being reported that Johnson’s season is likely over following the scary incident on Dec. 12.

During Florida’s in-state basketball game against rival Florida State, Johnson suddenly collapsed on the court and was unresponsive. He was transported from Tallahassee to Gainesville where he remained until Tuesday with his parents announcing he was being discharged and would be with his family for Christmas.

On Tuesday evening, Zach Abolverdi with the Gainesville Sun reported that Johnson has since been diagnosed with acute myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. Though nothing definite can be ruled out, myocarditis is a condition that has been linked to viral infections, including COVID-19 infections. Johnson tested positive over the summer:

Following the collapse that left Johnson unresponsive, he was transferred last Monday from Tallahassee Memorial to UF Health in Gainesville, where an MRI on his heart led to a diagnosis of acute myocarditis, according to a person with first-hand knowledge. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensibility of the situation.

The diagnosis is expected to keep Johnson sidelined for at least three months, ending his basketball season.

Concerns over heart issues related to potential COVID-19 infections was one of the main reasons the B1G and other conferences initially shut downfall sports before resuming with strict guidelines and cardiac protocols to be cleared to return to action. Like most conferences, the SEC has its own protocol that positive players must clear before resuming action.

Hopefully Johnson is able to make a full recovery. For now, it is at least encouraging that he is able to be with his family as he continues to recover.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.