Vetting issues emerge from ASU hockey workout
New details have emerged that raise questions as to whether proper channels were followed leading up to the August 20th workout that led to the collapse and hospitalization of Arizona State hockey defenseman Matthew Mayich.
A new report from Robert Anglen of the Arizona Republic indicates that trainer Tim Ziesel was never formally engaged in a contract for the planned three-day workout, instead being retained by head coach Greg Powers and other staff members on a handshake agreement, per Ziesel's attorney Buddy Rake.
From the Arizona Republic:
"Tim didn't fill out any forms," Phoenix lawyer Buddy Rake said. "He met coaching staff and shook hands. He spoke to the head coach."
According to Arizona State University athletic department guidelines, outside consultants are required to submit a request form before direct interaction with student-athletes in order to give administrators "sufficient time for a comprehensive review" before any activities involving Sun Devil Athletics.
This is the latest in possible internal policy violations surrounding Mayich's collapse, following reports that heat policies for outdoor workouts were not adequately observed.
When asked about this new development, Mayich family attorney Rob Carey indicated that he was not familiar with any contract, but expressed a lack of surprise if shortcuts were taken.
From the Arizona Republic:
"They did not follow a lot of things," he said in a Sept. 14 interview. "It is really unfortunate, because any one of these things could have saved Matthew's life."
The Republic reached ASU spokesperson Jay Thorne via email on September 14th, but he declined to comment on contract guidelines.
Carey requested that the university hand the investigation over to the Phoenix Police Department, Arizona Attorney General's Office, or the state police in a September 4th letter to the university.
"ASUPD is a department of the University. It is overseen by the same administration whose athletic department, coaches, staff, and outside instructor are the subjects of the inquiry."
As of September 11th, Carey had yet to receive a response from ASU or any law enforcement agency, who were copied on the same letter.
A message of toughness has started to emerge as Carey has made his own findings known.
Carey said interviews he's conducted with hockey players and others have convinced him coaches wanted to see how much players could endure in the heat. And they wanted to set the tone for the season, he said. "They were trying to send a message that we're really tough," Carey said. "And we're going to start that on Day One."
Head coach Greg Powers has not responded to requests by the Republic for comment as Mayich remains hospitalized at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. Daily vigil prayers have been maintained by the Mayich family, drawing attendance from hundreds around the world.
We will continue to update this story as more details emerge.
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