Arizona State University (ASU) defenseman Matthew Mayich remains in critical condition following a devastating collapse during an outdoor workout on August 20. Now, a high-stakes legal battle is brewing.
The Mayich family’s attorney, Rob Carey, is publicly accusing ASU of "circling the wagons" and failing to handle the aftermath responsibly.
What Happened on August 20?
Mayich, a 21-year-old St. Louis Blues draft prospect who recently transferred to ASU from Clarkson, collapsed on the first day of the fall semester. The team was participating in an outdoor, military-style training session.
Led by Tim Ziesel, an outside military veteran, the 60-minute session reportedly involved relentless sprints, planks, pushups, and bear crawls. Sources indicate that players who lagged behind or failed to repeat verbal instructions were punished with extra sprints.
While Ziesel’s attorney downplayed the intensity—claiming no Division I athlete would call it "hard"—Carey blasted that narrative as fictional.
"I’m very confident it was a grueling, onerous, and dangerous workout," Carey stated.
Weather records show high humidity and 86-degree temperatures at the time. Tempe Fire Medical Rescue crews were ultimately dispatched to the stadium for a "heat-related illness."
Why the Family is Calling Out ASU
Carey, a former deputy chief attorney general of Arizona, is demanding immediate transparency. He wants ASU coaching staff placed on administrative leave to separate them from student witnesses.
"A kid’s life was basically ruined, the family is devastated, and people refuse to accept responsibility," Carey said.
Instead of launching a formal investigation, ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini characterized the school’s response as a factual "review." Carey dismissed this distinction, promising his firm will use every legal resource to uncover deleted text messages, internal emails, and videos.
The Problem with Internal Reviews
Independent safety experts are also raising red flags about ASU's self-policing approach. Rod Walters, a national athlete safety expert who investigated the high-profile death of Maryland football player Jordan McNair, emphasized that internal reviews rarely yield real accountability.
"I can name you case after case where an internal review said everything was fine," Walters warned, urging that only an independent, third-party investigation can provide the family and public with the truth.
