Tufts Lacrosse Workout Led by Navy SEAL Hospitalized Nine Players

An independent report found the Navy SEAL lacked proper credentials, and the workout caused severe medical issues for student-athletes.

The workout, conducted in September 2024, resulted in 24 participants being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition caused by muscle breakdown, with nine requiring hospitalization.
The Navy SEAL, a Tufts graduate and former lacrosse team equipment manager, lacked the necessary credentials to design or lead group fitness sessions.
The workout, described as 'unusually intense,' included 250 burpees and other exercises over 75 minutes, with only 40% of participants completing it without modification.
The Tufts Director of Sport Performance approved the workout plan the same day it was received but failed to share it with other staff for review or assessment.
The report recommended stricter policies for vetting outside trainers and workout plans to prevent similar incidents in the future.