In the wake of a concerning incident last Saturday, where Savy King collapsed during a high-stakes match between Angel City FC and Utah Royals, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has made critical remarks regarding player safety and the league’s emergency response protocols. Her comments underscore an urgent need for all sports organizations to reassess their policies to prioritize athlete well-being during emergencies.
During halftime of the Angel City versus Bay FC match, Berman addressed reporters, expressing her serious concern about the recent event but choosing not to delve into the specifics of the decisions that allowed the match to resume after King received medical treatment on the field. “As we’ve reviewed the situation, I don’t think it’s constructive to recount who did what and when,” she stated, as reported by The Athletic.
In an immediate acknowledgment of the situation’s mismanagement, the NWSL issued a statement confirming that the match should not have continued following King’s collapse. The league is now committed to a thorough review of its player safety protocols, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
King, a promising 20-year-old talent, collapsed during the 74th minute of play, necessitating urgent medical assistance. Athletic trainers were on the scene almost instantly, providing critical care for nearly ten minutes before she was transported off the field on a stretcher, with an oxygen mask to aid her breathing.
Following the emergency, the NWSL reported that King had “left the field in stable condition” and was “responsive” upon her arrival at California Hospital Medical Center. Subsequent medical evaluations revealed a heart abnormality, leading to a successful surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Thankfully, her prognosis has been described as “excellent,” providing a sense of relief against the backdrop of a daunting situation.
However, players and coaches responded with alarm and frustration over the league’s decision to continue the match amid such a critical health crisis. Utah head coach Jimmy Coenraets conveyed the anxiety of his team. “Our players were just scared. That’s not the right situation to be in, but in the end, we played on,” he reflected after the game, capturing the conflict between competitive spirit and the safety imperative.
The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association added their voice to the conversation, advocating for stronger measures in response to medical emergencies on the field. “These moments demand humanity, sound judgment, and restraint,” their statement read. “Any medical emergency requiring life-saving care should halt play immediately. The match should not have continued.” This declaration reinforces the essential principle that athlete welfare must take precedence over competitive pressures.
While Berman acknowledged the gravity of the incident, she reassured fans that King received the necessary care and commended Angel City’s medical team for their prompt and professional response. “Our focus was really on making sure that the player was cared for during the game. We were relieved to see she had the resources available, and Angel City’s medical team managed her care wonderfully,” Berman said.
The NWSL now finds itself at a crucial juncture as it reevaluates its approach to player health and safety. This incident highlights not only the need for improved emergency protocols within the NWSL but also ignites a broader dialogue across all sports leagues about the paramount importance of prioritizing athlete health in crisis scenarios. With player safety taking center stage, the hope is that leagues will create more robust frameworks that effectively guard against future emergencies.
