Heath, TX (WBAP/KLIF) – The head football coach at Rockwall-Heath High School has been placed on leave after several varsity players fell seriously ill during off-season training.
According to WFAA, Coach John Harrell made the athletes do hundreds – up to 400 – push-ups on Friday, “as punishment for being disorganized.”
Some students are hospitalized and diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis or “Rabdo”. It is described as a “dangerous complication from strenuous exercise.”
Dr. Mark Casanova, a member of the Dallas County Medical Society told our media partner WFAA-TV that it is very serious and can lead to permanent injury to the muscles and kidneys. Some tell-tale symptoms include not being able to bend or extend your arms and dark urine.
A third party has been called in to investigate.
John Harrell joined the Rockwall-Heath fooball program in 2019 as an Assistant Head Coach and Run Game Coordinator.
(Copyright 2023 WBAP/KLIF 24/7 News. This report contains material from WFAA-TV.)
