Kansas' Peterson Thought Creatine Cramps Would Kill Him
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, a projected top-five pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, suffered severe body-wide cramping from high creatine doses that led him to fear for his life. The incident occurred in September during a practice, before the college season began, forcing him to the training room where he begged for an ambulance. Medical staff struggled to insert an IV amid the spasms.
Peterson recounted to ESPN that he reached the training room and pleaded for 911 after cramping overtook his body. "They were trying to get a vein to get me the IV, get me back hydrated. But I was cramping so hard they couldn't get a vein," he said. "I thought I was going to die on the training table that day."
Peterson missed 11 games this season and had playing time limited in others due to recurring cramps. Baseline creatine levels already high from testing, the supplement pushed him into unsafe territory, he explained. Kansas coach Bill Self shifted him to off-ball roles to reduce exertion risks; Peterson tried daily rehab, massages, carb-loading, electrolytes and diet changes.
Peterson stopped creatine and reported no further issues, logging at least 30 minutes in eight of Kansas' final nine games while averaging 20.2 points. Widely expected among the draft's first selections next month, he returns to full health after the ordeal.
