GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Gators forward Keyontae Johnson enjoyed a breakthrough in his recovery from a scary collapse Saturday at Florida State.
Johnson’s parents, Nika and Marrecus, released a statement through UF updating their son’s progress as he remains hospitalized at UF Health in Gainesville. He has been upgraded to stable condition, with no critical status.
Johnson, 21, is breathing on his own and speaking to his parents and doctors.
“He even FaceTimed the team!” his parents said in a statement released by UF.
Johnson previously was listed in critical but stable condition at UF Health Monday. After a report he was in a medically induced coma, the Gators released a statement indicating he was awake and able to follow “simple commands” after he was transferred from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he had been since Saturday.
Johnson collapsed on the court after he exited a team huddle during the opening minutes of UF’s 83-71 loss at Florida State. UF flew Johnson’s parents from Norfolk, Va., to be with their son.
The outpouring of emotion and support for Johnson touched his parents.
“We feel so much love and support from everyone,” the Johnsons. “We’re beyond grateful for the care and attention that Keyontae has received throughout these past several days. We have seen how much people love and care for him.”
The Johnson said they plan to share updates about Keyontae’s health and progress.
“We hope people recognize that information that doesn’t come from us or the athletic department may not be accurate,” the Johnsons warned. “We are working closely with Keyontae’s doctors and the UAA to provide information to everyone who cares so deeply about Keyontae and has been praying for him.”
USA Today reported Johnson’s grandfather, Larry DeJarnett, said the 21-year-old basketball star had been placed in a medically induced coma, with the hope to bring him out of it Monday.
“He may have had activity in the brain, so they induced the coma,” DeJarnett told USA Today. “They put him on medication to keep him sedated.”
