UCF begins investigation of player collapse

Dec 9, 2008 - 11:29 PM ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- Central Florida president John Hitt has promised a full investigation after freshman running back Brandon Davis collapsed during a recent workout in the school's weight room.

On Tuesday, the school began interviewing players who were present during Davis' weightlifting session last Wednesday.

"This is a serious matter, and we are proceeding quickly and thoroughly in our review," Hitt said in a statement released by the school "Since I learned of what occurred, I have held discussions to consider the best course of action for our university, football program and student-athletes.

"I look forward to talking about my decisions this week, but will not do so until our initial fact-finding process is complete."

Davis' mother, Donna, told the Orlando Sentinel on Monday that her son suffered suffered kidney failure and that he was dehydrated due to a lack of water available during the conditioning drill.

However, the Sentinel reported Tuesday that Davis' condition has improved and he is expected to be released from Florida Hospital East by the end of the week.

Leigh Torbin, Central Florida's director of athletic communications, told the newspaper that the workout - attended by 40 players - was supervised by the university's strength and conditioning staff and met NCAA guidelines for approved offseason workouts.

Central Florida coach George O'Leary has not commented since Davis' collapse.

His collapse came nine months after Central Florida freshman wide receiver Ereck Plancher died following conditioning drills in March.

In August, the Plancher family said it intended to file a wrongful death suit against the university, citing negligence on the school's part.