A federal judge in Ohio ordered a Nov. 2 jury trial in the case brought by the family of former Vikings offensive lineman Korey Stringer against the manufacturer of the helmets and shoulder pads he wore when he died nearly eight years ago from complications of heatstroke.

U.S. District Court judge John D. Holschuh said Riddell Inc. had a duty to warn Stringer that its helmets and shoulder pads could contribute to heat stroke when used in hot conditions. The trial will determine whether Riddell's failure to warn Stringer comprises legal culpability for his death.

Stringer collapsed July 31, 2001, following a training camp practice in Mankato. He died the next day. Stringer's wife, Kelci, settled legal claims in 2003 against the doctor who treated Stringer.

She also settled a lawsuit this year against the NFL. The league has agreed to support the creation of a heat illness prevention program for athletes.

JUDD ZULGAD

Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner interviewed to become the next coach for the Timberwolves. The interview took place Monday in Las Vegas and lasted a couple of hours, Turner said.

"I thought it was productive," Turner said in an interview with KRIV-TV in Houston. "We met and exchanged thoughts and ideas. I really enjoyed it."

Turner has worked as an assistant in Sacramento and Portland and was a candidate for the Phoenix Suns when their head coaching job became available last year. He's in Las Vegas coaching the Rockets summer league team.

• Rookie point guard Jonny Flynn scored 12 points and had 14 assists, and fellow rookie Wayne Ellington had 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting, but the Wolves lost their second game in a row Monday in the Las Vegas Summer League, 96-91 to an NBA Development League team. The Wolves end summer league play with games Friday (Washington), Saturday (New Orleans) and Sunday (Chicago).

Former SCSU coach dies Former St. Cloud State baseball coach James F. Stanek died Saturday at his home in St. Cloud. The Minneapolis native was 83. Stanek was the Huskies baseball coach from 1968 to 1978. He also was an assistant football coach and was a professor in the SCSU physical education department, 1967-91.

Saints pitcher retires St. Paul Saints pitcher Charlie Ruud retired Monday. Ruud, 27, ends his career as the franchise's all-time leader in victories (36), strikeouts (300), games started (72), innings pitched (458) and complete games (9). The Saints have offered Ruud a coaching position.

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