Arizona State Player's Collapse Followed Troubling Signs, Lawyer Claims
Matthew Mayich's family lawyer alleges the player was disoriented and staff did not provide immediate aid after his collapse during an Aug. 20 workout.
Arizona State hockey player Matthew Mayich reportedly showed concerning signs of distress during a workout on August 20, prior to his collapse, according to the family's lawyer. Robert Carey stated that Mayich was "disoriented" and struggled to complete tasks during the session.
Following Mayich's collapse at Sun Angel Stadium, where temperatures reached 106 degrees Fahrenheit, his family's legal counsel alleges that immediate and proper care was not administered. "They did not bring him to a bath. They did not put him in ice," said Robert Anglen, speaking on behalf of the Mayich family lawyer to KTAR News 92.3 FM. Anglen added that players attempted to shade Mayich and assist him while others reportedly stood by.
Mayich, 21, has remained hospitalized in a coma since the incident. His family's lawyer has stated that Mayich has "zero chance of recovery."
The workout was reportedly led by Tim Ziesel, a former Green Beret who is not under contract with ASU. Another attorney for the Mayich family, Leonard Aragon, alleged that Ziesel pushed athletes beyond their limits and punished those who stopped to drink water. Ziesel's attorney disputes these claims, stating the exercises were not overly grueling and that Ziesel left the practice before Mayich collapsed.
The Arizona Republic reported that Ziesel and ASU head coach Greg Powers had a handshake agreement, which violated university athletic department policies requiring outside consultants to undergo a vetting process and sign a consultant agreement form. Both Ziesel and his attorney confirmed this vetting process did not occur.
ASU's guidelines also stipulate a gradual acclimatization period of seven to 14 days for student-athletes returning to activity. Mayich had flown in from Ottawa, Canada, less than a week before the workout.
ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini told Arizona Sports' “Burns & Gambo” on Aug. 28 that the university is conducting a review, not an investigation, into the incident. The review, led by Senior Vice President James Rund, is examining whether the university's guidelines for outside consultants were followed. Rossini stated, "This is not an investigation where somebody’s suggesting something went wrong. We’re reviewing the facts and understanding the scenario."
The Mayich family is seeking an independent investigation by external agencies such as the Phoenix Police Department, the Attorney General, or the Department of Public Safety. As of now, ASU has not publicly responded to this request, according to Anglen.
Mayich, a sophomore defenseman, transferred to Arizona State this offseason after playing for Clarkson, where he recorded 15 points in the previous season. He was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft.