5 Tufts University men’s lacrosse players hospitalized days after training led by Navy SEAL trainee

MEDFORD — Five Tufts University men’s lacrosse players remain hospitalized after a workout with a Navy SEAL trainee on Monday.

The school said 50 student-athletes took part in the 45-minute workout led by the university alumnus and Navy SEAL trainee. The university said the instructor was a graduate of the Navy SEAL BUD/S training program.

Twelve of the players were sent to the hospital and diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, or rhabdo, a life-threatening condition that occurs after an injury or overuse, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The condition can cause muscle tissue to break down, releasing toxic components of muscle fibers into the bloodstream and traveling to the kidneys.

Seven athletes were treated in the emergency room and released. Tufts said the number of athletes who are hospitalized and have been diagnosed is subject to change.

“Our thoughts are with the players and their families and we hope they return to health and care under local medical experts soon,” the school said in a statement.

Tufts has suspended all team practices until every athlete has been evaluated and cleared. They will also appoint an independent investigator into the incident.

The Tufts men’s lacrosse team won the 2024 NCAA Division III championship in May against Rochester Institute of Technology.