Tufts Lacrosse Players Diagnosed with Rare Muscle Injury

A dozen Tufts men’s lacrosse players have been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a rare and potentially lethal medical condition that can occur after excessive exercise without rest.

Five players remained hospitalized Friday, according to an Associated Press report.

The university is investigating the circumstances surrounding a supervised, voluntary team workout led by a Tufts graduate who had completed Navy SEAL training. Both the number of confirmed cases and the number of those hospitalized could change, a spokesman told the AP.

“Our thoughts are with the players and their families, and we are hoping for their quick return to good health under the care of local medical experts,” director of media relations Patrick Collins said in a written statement. “Meanwhile, we are closely monitoring the condition of the rest of the team and have postponed all team practice activities until each team member has been evaluated and medically cleared to return to participation.”

Tufts has hired an external, independent investigator to review what led to the players’ diagnosis. Rhabdomyolysis, or “rhabdo,” occurs because of a breakdown in muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the bloodstream. It can lead to kidney failure, among other life-threatening consequences.

One of the most successful programs in Division III, Tufts claimed its fourth national championship this year. The Jumbos defeated RIT 18-14 in the NCAA title game May 26 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. It was head coach Casey D’Annolofo’s eighth season at the helm, a period during which Tufts has compiled a 122-18 record.