Twelve Tufts University men's lacrosse players were diagnosed with rare, life-threatening muscle injuries following a training session on Monday.
Multiple athletes at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle injury, after a supervised training session on Monday, said Patrick Collins, director of media relations at Tufts University. said The Associated Press reported Friday. Collins added that five players remained hospitalized as of Friday.
The 45-minute, self-directed training session was led by a Tufts University graduate who had previously trained as a Navy SEAL, according to the Associated Press.
Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening disease in which muscles begin to break down after injury or strenuous exercise without rest. According to Cleveland Clinic.
About 50 players took part in the training, Collins said. said The Boston Globe. (Related article: College basketball player hospitalized after extreme training, head coach fired)
12 Tufts University lacrosse players diagnosed with potentially life-threatening condition after team practice https://t.co/3rkYgnYzey pic.twitter.com/DjaMYGLNTU
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“Our thoughts are with our players and their families and we hope that they will return to good health quickly under the care of local medical professionals,” Collins said in a written statement, according to the Associated Press.
The remaining players on the team are being closely monitored and all team practices have been postponed until each player is medically cleared to return, Collins added.
Collins said the number of hospitalizations and confirmed injuries could change, according to the Associated Press.
Tufts plans to appoint an independent, outside investigator to quickly review the situation with the hopes of taking any necessary steps to protect the safety of student-athletes, Collins told the outlet.
The circumstances leading to the injury remain under investigation, and the university cannot provide any further information until a full investigation has been completed, the outlet said.
