Oregon football players hospitalized after grueling workouts, report says

At least three Oregon football players have been hospitalized after grueling team workouts last week following a lengthy holiday break, the Oregonian reported Monday.

Offensive lineman Doug Brenner, tight end Cam McCormick and offensive lineman Sam Poutasi were patients at Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend in Springfield on Monday, the hospital confirmed to ESPN on Monday night.

The Oregonian reported that the three players had been at the hospital since last week and were in fair condition as of Monday afternoon.

The university said in a statement on behalf of its athletic department: "The safety and welfare of all of our student-athletes is paramount in all that we do. While we cannot comment on the health of our individual students, we have implemented modifications as we transition back into full training to prevent further occurrences.“

Poutasi's mother, Oloka, told the newspaper her son had been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a syndrome in which muscle fiber is broken down and released into the bloodstream. The condition can lead to problems with the kidneys or kidney failure.

The Oregonian report also stated that several players complained of discolored urine and that others were found to have high levels of creatine kinase, both of which are possible indicators of the syndrome.

A university official denied a report that some players “passed out” while training, according to the Oregonian, and another said the school made trainers available to the athletes during the workouts.

charles.schilken@latimes.com

Twitter: @chewkiii