Unscripted Drama: Support After Keyontae Johnson Emergency Is What Sports Are All About

After Johnson collapsed in game, support has been overwhelming from around the sports world. Photo Courtesy: UAA

Nine months ago the sports world was left dark. It was like watching the lights turn off at a basketball gym. One after another, leagues and organizations were turned off. And before we knew it, we were left in a dark, sports-less world.

Non-sports fans struggled to wrap their heads around the anguish sports enthusiasts were experiencing. The isolating feeling of not having that connection with a team, roster or fanbase left fans feeling lonelier than ever.

There’s something special about sports. The unscripted drama, they call it. It’s the not knowing that pulls us all together. The uncertainty of buzzer beaters, walk-off field goals and dare I say, thrown shoes. But sometimes, it’s a different type of not knowing that glues the sports world together. And sometimes that not knowing is terrifying.

When Florida basketball’s junior forward Keyontae Johnson suddenly collapsed on the court during Saturday afternoon’s game against the rival Seminoles in Tallahassee, it seemed it was one of those moments.

The not knowing of what had happened to the SEC’s preseason player of the year just moments after jamming an alley-oop dunk through the rim had sports fans everywhere reeling for answers.

What had just happened?

No one knew. We still don’t.

But in the moment, we knew considerably less than we do now. In the moment, we had no indication that Johnson would be okay. As he laid across the stretcher, there was no movement. No consciousness. And certainly, no thumbs up.

Mike White’s Gators, who were all white knuckling their composure, were asked if they’d like to continue to contest. They agreed.

But Florida’s remaining roster members, there wasn’t a soul on this earth who cared to watch the Gators finish that ball game.

Even Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton, who led the Seminoles to their seventh straight win over the Gators – making for the longest FSU win streak in the series’ history, wouldn’t have been bothered had Florida opted to stop playing.

"It was totally up to them and whatever they thought was in the best interest of their team, then I would accept it and act accordingly,” Hamilton said following FSU’s 83-71 victory over Florida. “Our administration asked me, I just told them I would be OK with whatever they decided, and it’s my understanding that they wanted to play.”

Meanwhile, while the Gators meaninglessly dribbled a basketball up and down the floor, the rest of the nation was captivated by the unknown... by the unscripted drama.

Auburn basketball’s Bruce Pearl was filmed urging his team to pray for Johnson following the news of Johnson’s “stable, but critical state.”

“You know how we believe in the power of prayer,” Pearl told his team. “I think God has got to hear our voices right now. He’s got to hear our calling right now for his health, his safety, his protection.

“Everybody, we bow our heads and lets please talk to God and ask him to be with Keyontae and that Florida program right now.”

Former Florida Gators basketball star and current roster member of the Washington Wizards also took to Twitter to send his well wishes to Johnson.

Shaquille O’Neal’s son, Shareef, who plays at LSU also tweeted in support for Johnson.

“Prayers up to Keyontae Johnson man,” O’Neal tweeted. “Never want to see anything like that happen during a game!! I hope everything goes well bro. I’m praying.”

As Florida became able to issue updates on Johnson’s condition, Keyontae’s family, Mike White and UF athletic director Scott Stricklin thanked everyone for the outpouring love and support sent their way.

However, some of the words of encouragement that poured into the University of Florida’s athletics office didn’t have to travel far.

Second graders at Meadowbrook Elementary in Gainesville, which is just eight miles away from the O’Connell Center, penned letters to the ailing Gators basketball star, Kaitlyn Day, a second-grade teacher at Meadowbrook posted on Twitter.

“Dear Keyontae, feel better!,” one student scribbled. “You are the best player I could ever know. Thinking of you lots. Get well soon. I wish I could see you, I heard that you fainted but when I’m sick I like to hear people say nice things about me. So I hope this makes you feel better. XOXO.”

Seemingly, both of Johnson’s parents commented on Day’s post.

“Love it, tell the kids his dad says thank you so much,” Marrecus Johnson wrote.

“This is so sweet! I love it, thank you,” Nika Johnson replied. “I can’t wait until he sees it.”

The letters from Day’s class will be sent to Johnson.

Despite being left in the dark in regard to Johnson’s condition for what felt like an eternity, the UAA finally started issuing uplifting updates on Monday when it was reported that Johnson had been transferred to UF Health from Tallahassee Memorial. In that same update, it was reported that Johnson was following simple commands.

By Tuesday, the UAA announced that according to Johnson’s parents, Keyontae was breathing on his own, speaking and had even FaceTimed the rest of his team.

Johnson's family, along with UF, issued the most encouraging update on Tuesday.

On Wednesday it was announced the remainder of the Gators non-conference schedule had been postponed. Games against Florida Atlantic, Florida A&M and James Madison will all be rescheduled for a different time as Mike White and players wait alongside their teammate Johnson to make progress.

Though it is still unclear what caused Johnson’s collapse, some speculate that the episode might stem from a long-term effect of Covid-19. However, there has been no confirmation that Johnson ever tested positive for the virus.

As sports enthusiasts, unscripted drama is what makes us tick. But rallying together behind a common cause is what makes sports special.

The initial not knowing of Johnson’s condition made it difficult to appreciate the support that poured into Gainesville. However, as Johnson seems to be improving, such appreciation is becoming easier to recognize.

It’s hard to feel lonely in the world of sports, isn’t it?

---

If you would like to send cards and/or words of encouragement to Keyontae and his family, they can be sent care of the University Athletic Association: PO BOX 14485 Gainesville, FL 32604