MEDFORD – Five Tufts University men’s lacrosse players remain in the hospital after a training session with a Navy SEAL trainee on Monday.
The school said 50 student athletes participated in the 45-minute training session led by the varsity student and Navy SEAL trainee. The university said the instructor had completed Navy SEAL BUD/S Training Program.
Twelve of the players were sent to the hospital and diagnosed rhabdomyolysis or rhabdoa life-threatening condition that occurs after an injury or overexertion, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The condition can cause muscle tissue to break down, releasing toxic components of muscle fibers into the bloodstream and traveling to the kidneys.
Seven of the athletes were treated in the emergency room and released. Tufts said the number of athletes who are in the hospital and have been diagnosed could change.
“Our thoughts go out to the players and their families, and we hope for their speedy return to good health under the care of local medical experts,” the school said in a statement.
Tufts has postponed all practices for the team until each athlete can be evaluated and cleared. They will also appoint an independent investigator into the incident.
The Tufts men’s lacrosse team won the 2024 NCAA Division III Championship against Rochester Institute of Technology in May.