GAINESVILLE, Fla. — If sidelined Florida basketball star Keyontae Johnson is unable to pursue a professional career because of health concerns, he still could have lifetime financial security after he leaves the Gators.
The Associated Press reported late Wednesday that Johnson holds a $5 million insurance policy through the NCAA to guarantee future earnings in case injury ended his promising career before he profited professionally.
Johnson has not played basketball and his physical activities have been strictly limited by doctors since his Dec. 12, 2020 collapse on the court at Florida State.
Johnson, 22, was voted preseason SEC Player of the Year and projected a first-round NBA draft pick when his collapse led a nine-day hospitalization beginning with doctors inducing a coma. First-round picks get four-year contracts with the first two fully guaranteed while the final two are team options that typically are picked up later.
Many expected the worst, but Johnson recovered and rejoined the Gators with an eye on returning to competition.
Instead, Johnson has served as a mentor, quasi-coach and vocal supporter from the sidelines for his teammates who have lauded him as an inspiration for his positive attitude despite challenging, dispiriting circumstances.
During a one-on-one interview this summer with The Orlando Sentinel, Johnson vowed to play again even it is not with the Gators. He said doctors would not allow him to participate in strenuous activity because the cause of his collapse remained undetermined.
“They just don’t know,” Johnson said. They don’t know if it was my heart or it could be something else. It was just a freak incident. They’re just trying to figure it out to make sure I’m fine before they clear me.”
Johnson’s health status has not changed and all information about his future plans will come from him or his family, according to UF.
“He’s very much a big part of our program,” coach Mike White said recently. “Not practicing. Coaching, helping organize practice, prepare for practice, doing some officiating. He’s active in drill work.
“He’s doing whatever he can. He’s an unselfish guy. He’s a winner. He’s always going to be, and he’s doing whatever he can to help his teammates and to help us as a staff.”
The AP reported Johnson’s policy will allow him to explore playing options and still make an insurance claim. UF paid the premiums on a policy providing Johnson the option to receive the $5 million as lump sum payment.
The NCAA’s Exceptional Disability Insurance Program offers policies for up to $10 million for football and men’s basketball players deemed potential first-round pick, according to AP. Women’s basketball, baseball and ice hockey players also can have policies.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Johnson, a native of Norfolk, Va., averaged 14 points on 54% shooting and grabbed 7.1 rebounds as a sophomore in 2019-20. He was expected to be the centerpiece of last season’s team.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com . Email Edgar Thompson at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osgators .
