University of Minnesota recruit Jarvis Johnson will not be medically cleared to play basketball, the school announced via a press release on Monday.
Johnson – who will still attend the university on scholarship -- suffers from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that caused his heart to stop for somewhere between eight to ten minutes in 2010 and requires an implanted defibrillator in his chest. Although Johnson hasn't had an attack since, his condition is lifelong.
"While we are extremely disappointed, the health and welfare of Jarvis is our highest priority," a statement from Jarvis Johnson, the Johnson family and the university read. "We are excited that Jarvis has decided to accept his scholarship to the U and will remain a part of the basketball program. Coach Pitino and his staff are looking forward to having Jarvis on campus, where he will get an outstanding college education while supporting the team in any way he can. Jarvis has dreamed of being a part of the Gopher basketball family; and we are happy that he will be."
Johnson, a Brooklyn Park native and DeLaSalle graduate, is one of seven 2015 recruits who arrived on campus this month. The combo guard was expected to contribute right away.
Coach Richard Pitino added, in a statement, "Unfortunately, Jarvis Johnson will not be playing on our team this season. However, we are extremely excited that he has decided to accept his scholarship and pursue his undergraduate degree here at the U, where he will also remain a part of our program. Jarvis is a tremendous young man, and we support him and look forward to having him here."
