An independent review released on Friday highlighted serious concerns regarding a training session conducted by an uncredentialed Navy SEAL instructor that resulted in the hospitalization of lacrosse players at Tufts University. The review suggested that the university implement more stringent protocols for workout sessions to ensure student safety.
In September 2024, the Tufts men’s lacrosse team and two other student groups participated in an unusually intense workout led by a recent graduate of Tufts who had previously served as an equipment manager for the lacrosse team and had also trained as a Navy SEAL. The session proved to be detrimental, with 24 out of the 61 participants experiencing rhabdomyolysis, a rare and severe muscle injury.
According to the review conducted by sports medicine expert Rod Walters and attorney Randy Aliment, nine students required hospitalization. The report emphasized that the Navy SEAL instructor lacked the necessary qualifications to lead such a rigorous session, as well as pointed out the absence of a well-defined plan for transporting injured students to hospitals, creating an unnecessarily hazardous situation.
The report underscored that the workout was not grounded in the principles of acclimatization, which are crucial for preventing injuries during physical training. Moreover, it criticized the workout’s design, stating that it was neither scientifically based nor specifically tailored to the athletic demands of lacrosse.
While the review indicates the Navy SEAL chose not to participate in interviews, other involved parties provided cooperation during the investigation. The review does not disclose the individual’s identity, a choice that the university also respects. Navy officials acknowledged their awareness of the report’s findings, confirming that a member of the Naval Special Warfare community had led the workout, although they noted that this individual was on personal leave at that time.
Participants in the workout were not adequately briefed on the exercises they would undertake or the number of repetitions designated. Accounts suggest some students performed nearly 250 burpees and various other demanding exercises over a 75-minute timeframe. Those who encountered difficulties were taken aside to engage in less strenuous activities aimed at reducing their heart rates.
Despite 40% of the attendees completing the workout without any modifications, many began to report significant soreness in the following days. Subsequently, incidents of exertional rhabdomyolysis—an alarming condition characterized by muscle breakdown—were documented among participants.
The review concluded that Tufts University staff members must gain a clearer understanding of their future responsibilities to avert similar incidents, advocating for more diligent vetting of alternative workout plans.
Recognized as one of the premier teams at the Division III level nationally, the Tufts men’s lacrosse team won the NCAA championship in 2024.
In a joint statement, Tufts University President Sunil Kumar and Athletic Director John Morris confirmed that all affected students have fully recovered and resumed regular activities. They emphasized the importance of understanding the circumstances that led to the incident and committed to improving training methodologies to enhance safety for student-athletes moving forward.
