While the investigation into what caused the hospitalization of 13 Iowa football players last month is still ongoing, it appears very likely the illness will not have an impact on the availability of the players for the upcoming spring sessions.
According to Des Moines Register, Hawkeyes assistant coach Eric Johnson said Tuesday night that all 13 players are doing fine and are expected to participate in spring practice next month.
“It’s going to be a slow process working the players back into the fold, but as far as we know, they’ll all be ready to go for spring ball,” Johnson said. “They’re slowly getting back into the flow. ...
“As far as we know, everybody’s fairly healthy. Everybody’s back in class.”
A total of 13 players were hospitalized beginning Jan. 24 with what was later diagnosed as exertional rhabdomyolysis. It’s believed that a series of strenuous workouts following a period of relative inactivity contributed to the medical situation.
The school, particularly head coach Kirk Ferentz, were roundly criticized for their public response in the immediate aftermath of the situation. Ferentz was away on a recruiting trip when the players were hospitalized, and did not return for more than 48 hours. That led to intense criticism of the coach, with parents of some of the players reportedly chief among his critics.
Athletic director Gary Barta continues to defend how the school responded to the situation.
“In hindsight, I don’t know how we would do it differently,” Barta said. “At the time, we felt we were giving the information we had. ...
“I feel like we live in a society of immediate reaction, whether we have facts or not. I feel, in general, there is a ‘need to know now; facts be damned.’”
OK, Gary. Whatever you say.