A dozen lacrosse players from Division III Tufts University were hospitalized last week after a voluntary, supervised 45-minute workout at the school’s campus in Medford, Massachusetts.
The Sept. 16 intense exercise routine was led by a Tufts alumnus who had also recently graduated from a Navy SEAL training program.
Three of the 12 injured players remained hospitalized on Monday, a Tufts spokesperson said. The three who were still hospitalized were responding to treatment and were expected to be discharged soon. Some team members have been medically cleared to resume training. About 50 team members participated.
Nine required hospitalization for Rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when muscles break down after continuous strain without rest. The affected muscles release protein into the bloodstream, causing potential kidney damage, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
“We are closely monitoring the condition of the rest of the team and have postponed all team practice activities until each team member has been evaluated and medically cleared to return to participation,” Patrick Collins, the school’s media relations director, said in a statement.
Collins said the university has appointed an independent investigator to review the situation, “with a goal of taking any steps needed to support the safety of our student athletes.”
The Tufts lacrosse squad won its fourth Division III national championship in June.
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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