Overview
- Seven anonymous Arizona State hockey players sent a 26‑page letter to President Michael Crow on Monday asking that head coach Greg Powers be put on administrative leave and that the university refer the Aug. 20 workout to an outside investigative agency.
- The players directly dispute ASU’s Sept. 21 internal Rund report and say coaches failed to follow heat‑safety rules on Aug. 20, alleging limited or late water breaks, continued drills as teammates showed heat‑illness signs, and no immersion tub, ice or stretcher at the field.
- They questioned the vetting and medical certifications of outside consultant Timothy Ziesel, saying ASU’s records do not show required first‑aid, CPR, or AED credentials for the trainer who led the session.
- ASU Police continue a criminal assessment of the incident while the Rund report recommended an advisory panel but assigned no individual blame, and the players asked that interim leadership be named so they can speak without risking scholarships or playing time.
- The human stakes are stark: defenseman Matthew Mayich remains hospitalized with catastrophic brain injury tied to exertional heatstroke, players say they fear retaliation if identified, and the dispute could prompt a county prosecutor review or swift program changes before the season opener.