California High School Football Teammates Suffer Mysterious Brain Injuries

— -- A high school football player in California is hospitalized in critical condition, one of two teammates who suffered brain injuries during a Friday game.

Authorities say they are investigating whether drug use among players – particularly the prescription drug Adderall, used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD – may have played a role. The investigation includes a review of game footage and other matters, authorities said.

Union Mine High School students Nick Brown and Justin Schwartz had finished playing a junior varsity game against Foothill High School when teammates and onlookers noticed something wrong.

“[Brown] just wasn’t looking right,” Merrill said. “It looked like he was exhausted.”

The two teens lost consciousness and collapsed, and were rushed to hospitals. Schwartz was treated for a concussion and nerve injury before being released. He’s now recovering at home.

Brown, meanwhile, remains hospitalized in critical condition after undergoing emergency brain surgery. His family released a statement, acknowledging that he “suffered a high impact blow to the head that caused a subdural brain bleed.”

Authorities are investigating whether Adderall may have played a role, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department. While a fellow 17-year-old student was arrested for allegedly providing the drug to classmates, authorities say they have not connected the suspect to Brown and Schwartz’s injuries. The identity of the student facing charges has not been released.