Evidence linking cocaine usage to death by...

Evidence linking cocaine usage to death by heart attacks, inflammation and other problems remains “entirely circumstantial,” a researcher said after examining 49 cases of heart trouble among drug users, including basketball player Len Bias and pro football player Don Rogers.

Dr. Jeffrey M. Isner, of Boston’s New England Medical Center, said that he examined autopsy results from one “well-known basketball player” who died after using cocaine, and found evidence of heart inflammation. Asked if Bias was the player, Isner said he could not identify the person but would let reporters draw their own conclusions.