Outlaws midfielder Mikie Schlosser spent time in a bath during Sunday’s game after feeling some effects of heat exhaustion, Neal said.
As was the case for Adler, the last resort in terms of on-field measures is hooking players up to an IV on the sideline, something that was “a first” for Neal.
The use of IVs is not uncommon in lacrosse — Neal points out that the Outlaws used them for precautionary reasons ahead of preseason games in Denver last year — but administering one under a tent on the sideline to comply with COVID-19 restrictions was a new experience for the trainer. It was a procedure the trainers felt was necessary given Adler’s state, according to Neal.
If a player is still deemed at risk for further health complications, a trip to the hospital is the next step. At this time, only Adler has been transported to the hospital for heat-related concerns, according to Gamper.
Given the circumstances presented by the pandemic, Neal believes MLL has done “a great job” creating a safe environment for players and staff. He added that the use of IVs both before and after games as further preventative measures is the lone tactic he would add to the league’s safety plan.
And in that lone case in which a hospital visit was necessary, Adler’s pain subsided. He was cleared to play, leaving him more irritated by how Sunday’s game unfolded than anything else.
“It’s pretty frustrating for me because of all my conditioning and training I've purposely done for this situation,” Adler said. “I work harder and run more during my training sessions. It was pretty frustrating to have that happen so early on in the game and early on in our tournament schedule.”
Adler had been looking forward to competing in 2020 since the conclusion of last season — one in which the Outlaws fell short of a championship with a 10-9 loss to the Chesapeake Bayhawks in the final — to rid himself of the “sour taste” in his mouth.
His own personal setback brought on by the weather was unexpected and frustrating, but not something he harbors any ill will over.
“I assume all risk,” Adler said. “I know exactly what I'm doing. I know exactly what I'm getting myself into, and I take responsibility for that.”
The faceoff man feels comfortable putting it behind him and moving forward with the goal of an MLL title in mind.
“I'm just happy that we’re having the season to be completely honest,” Adler said. “I think this was the best way and really the only way to do it.”
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