Heat policies brought into question surrounding August 20th workout

Sun Devils hosting Miami University on January 9, 2026. Photo: Tom Hardon

New reporting from Robert Anglen suggests that heat policies regarding player workouts may not have been adequately followed for the workout that led to Matthew Mayich's collapse and hospitalization on August 20th.

In multiple interviews, family attorney Rob Carey has stated that Mayich was in the Phoenix area for "five days max" before the workout took place, leading to his collapse due to exertional heatstroke, as reported by ESPN earlier this week.

Section 41.4.1 of statewide guidelines recommend gradual acclimatization over a 14 day period prior to heavy outdoor activity.

Carey goes on to assert that there was no cooling plan in place during the workout.

From the Arizona Republic:

School guidelines say the first choice for treating heat illness "is with immediate cold water immersion," even if an athlete is fully clothed. They say "a cold tub half-filled with water" should be ready for immediate use. Three to four coolers of ice should be next to the tub to use in case of emergency. Athletes suffering from heat illness should be moved from direct sunlight and heat to an indoor space with air conditioning, according to the guidelines. If that's not possible, they should be moved into the shade where fans can be used to cool them.

Heat index conditions on the morning of August 20th were in the moderate range, with temperatures between 87 and 89 degrees and a humidity of 49%. Moderate conditions do warn that "heat sensitive and unacclimatized athletes may suffer".

Matthew remains hospitalized at the time of this writing. We will continue to update his condition and actions taken as details become available.