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ASU Places Coach Greg Powers on Paid Leave

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 3:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

ASU Coach on Leave

Arizona State University placed coach Greg Powers on paid leave.
Players wrote to President Michael Crow demanding staff be placed on leave after Mayich’s collapse.
Mayich collapsed on Aug. 20 during a 75-minute workout led by Beret Tim Ziesel with no water or cooling tubs.
Coach Powers said Mayich suffered heat stroke and only needed an IV.
Attorney Robert Carey said Mayich has zero chance of recovery after exertional heatstroke.

Summary

Arizona Lawmakers Demand Probe

Two Arizona Republican lawmakers asked the Board of Regents to retain an independent investigator.
Maricopa County Attorney said she will not take control of the university investigation.
Arizona State Police opened an internal inquiry into the August 20 workout.
Coach’s 2025 five-year contract through 2030 was funded by boosters Mike and Nancy Friend.
Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly demanded a full independent investigation and warned athletes against repeat incidents.

History

Historical Context

Recent scrutiny of Arizona State’s August 20 conditioning drill echoes earlier heat-related fatalities, such as Phi Beta Sigma pledge Wade in 2009 and Pi Kappa Phi pledge Villa in 2014, which prompted universities to require water breaks and contributed to the 2021 Lofton’s Law after a similar death. These incidents show a pattern of oversight failures driving policy change.

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ASU Coach on Leave

Arizona State University placed coach Greg Powers on paid leave.
Players wrote to President Michael Crow demanding staff be placed on leave after Mayich’s collapse.
Mayich collapsed on Aug. 20 during a 75-minute workout led by Beret Tim Ziesel with no water or cooling tubs.
Coach Powers said Mayich suffered heat stroke and only needed an IV.
Attorney Robert Carey said Mayich has zero chance of recovery after exertional heatstroke.

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