Bronny James’ Cardiac Scare: Medical Professionals Provide Insight
Speculation Surrounding USC Commit's Sudden Medical Event Debunked
After Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest last month, speculation about its cause swirled on the internet. Some insensitively linked it to possible COVID-19 vaccination, but medical professionals offer more rational explanations for such events.
Dr. Satyajit Reddy from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix shared several potential causes for the USC commit’s sudden collapse and similar incidents in young college athletes during an interview with the LA Times. When James collapsed during a workout, medical personnel promptly responded and transported him to Cedar-Sinai medical center in Los Angeles for treatment. Fortunately, the James family reported that their son is now in stable condition, but they remain cautious about his return to the basketball court.
Despite the worries from fans and family, there is a glimmer of hope in a similar story from college basketball’s recent history. Keyontae Johnson, the current forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, experienced a comparable scare when he collapsed during a game in late 2020 while playing for the Florida Gators.
With dedicated medical care, Johnson’s condition stabilized, but concerns about his future as a young star remained. He took a season off, transferred to the Kansas State Wildcats in 2022, and made an impressive run in the NCAA tournament. This year, Johnson was drafted in the second round by the Thunder, proving that a return to form is possible.
While uncertainty looms around James’ future, Johnson’s experience serves as a testament to the potential for a successful comeback.
