Gators forward Keyontae Johnson
Gators' Forward Keyontae Johnson celebrates during a game against No. 18 Xavier on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2019. (Credit @GatorsMBK on Twitter.)

Keyontae Johnson Status Improving; UPDATE: UF Cancels Next Three Games

The latest on Keyontae Johnson comes from a different source today. Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin paid Johnson a visit at UF Health.

Stricklin spoke about his visit with Johnson Wednesday on the Sport Scene with Steve Russell. During his time on the air, Stricklin seemed happy with the Gator forward’s progress. The updates on Johnson have been positive over the last 48 hours.

While Keyontae Johnson was groggy due to sedation, he still was communicative and sitting up straight. Stricklin said that while Johnson is undergoing further tests, all signs show he is improving.

According to Stricklin, Johnson had no idea how many people had been wishing him well. It has not been just Gators fans either, the support is coming from everywhere. Stricklin made note of the support that came from the FSU community–one of Florida’s biggest rivals.

Further updates will come as soon as they are released.

Gators Game Against FAU Still Up in the Air

Another Gator game could be put on the back burner. Like the UNF game on Wednesday, the Gators may not be ready to get back on the court when Saturday rolls around. If all goes as planned, they will play the Florida Atlantic Owls.

Stricklin said the decision whether or not to play the game would be up to what the players decided to do.

An update to this story is that Florida has now cancelled its next three scheduled games against FAU on Saturday, FAMU on Sunday and against James Madison on December 22nd.  Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said that “this has been an emotionally taxing time for Keyontae’s friends, friends and teammates.  Our hope is that everyone impacted will take an opportunity to process those emotions and regroup ahead of the start of the new year.”

A statement was also released about Johnson’s health on Thursday.  “Keyontae Johnson continues to show encouraging signs of progress as he undergoes tests and further evaluation at UF Health.  He and his family have again continued to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers and well wishes.”

This statement also came from AD Stricklin.

About Harrison Smajovits

Harrison is a sports coordinator at ESPN 98.1 FM/850 AM WRUF. He served as a beat writer for Florida Gators football for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He also contributes to WRUF's Gainesville Sports Center segments and makes appearances on the Clash on Harp on Sports. Harrison has been a content writer for WRUF since January 2019 as well.

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