ST. PAUL, MINN. Stringer widow's lawsuit dealt blow by lower court

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Court of Appeals refused Tuesday to reinstate a lawsuit against the Minnesota Vikings for the actions of its trainers before the death of lineman Korey Stringer.
The appellate court agreed with a Hennepin County judge, who dismissed the lawsuit in April 2003 on grounds that trainers didn't commit gross negligence in Stringer's death from heat stroke during 2001 training camp.
Stringer's widow, Kelci, brought a wrongful death suit against the team and several employees, including former coach Dennis Green -- who is now coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
Basis of claim
She contended her 27-year-old husband didn't receive proper medical care after collapsing following a blocking drill.
Stringer, a 335-pound Pro Bowl lineman whose body temperature was measured at 108.8 degrees after he practiced in the sweltering heat and humidity, died of heatstroke early the next morning.
At issue was whether team trainers should have kept Stringer, a Warren native who played at Ohio State, out of practice after a heat-related episode the evening before he collapsed, and whether they responded correctly to warning signs.
Judge Wilhelmina Wright wrote for the appellate court that trainers did take some steps to treat Stringer and might have done more.
Even so, she wrote, their actions didn't rise to the level of gross negligence.
Kelci Stringer said she plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court.