Sickle Cell Trait Athlete Causes a Scare

On a hot June afternoon, Colorado State football gets ready for their incoming freshmen as they get ready for their first collegiate workout.

Matthew Harvey, a corner back from Slidell, Louisiana, an incoming freshmen at Colorado State University. Before the freshman’s first workout, Harvey was informed by the team trainer, Tony Hill, that he carried the sickle cell trait which is a condition caused by the presence of a single gene for sickle cell anemia, producing a smaller amount of abnormal hemoglobin.

After being told the news by the team trainer, Harvey shrugged the news and went onto the field to complete the workout.

Within an hour of the workout, news fell out that a Colorado State player had passed out and was taken to Poudre Valley Hospital. Later that day, the news came that Harvey was diagnosed with compartment syndrome and acute kidney failure.

“I was fine during the whole workout until, I realized that I felt pain in my shins and I figured it was just muscle cramps. It then got to the point where I could not walk anymore, ” said Harvey.

Hill was present at the workout and felt as if everything was headed in the right direction. “He began the workout fine and he was in the front of every rep. I don’t know what happened.” said Hill.

Harvey spent almost three weeks in the hospital and it was not until the end of those three weeks when the truth came out. Freshman, Tywan Francis had informed Harvey’s parents on what happened the day Harvey passed out.

“Matthew was not properly informed about what the dangers of the sickle cell trait and high elevation. Before Matthew passed out, the trainer was made it seem as if Matthew was faking and would not give him water until he stood up ,and Matthew was unable to do that.” stated Francis.

After Francis’ testimony, lawsuits were filed against CSU by Harvey’s family. “We dropped off our son thinking he was in good hands and it turns out CSU was not taking any of the health protocols seriously.” said Ronald Harvey, father of Matthew Harvey.

A year has gone by and Harvey has almost made a full recovery. Harvey has been allowed to participate in conditioning ,however Harvey has not been cleared for full participation.

“After all the trials and tribulations I have been through, I thank God for saving my life. It could have gone a different way and I can’t thank him enough” said Harvey.