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.
