Stringer’s Family Files Lawsuit Against the NFL

NFL coaches have fostered “a perverse, insidious and deadly culture” that contributed to the death of Minnesota Viking lineman Korey Stringer, according to a lawsuit filed Monday by the player’s family.

The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, was filed in U.S. District Court in Columbus, Ohio, on behalf of Stringer’s widow, Kelci. It alleges NFL coaches, trainers and doctors subject players to potentially fatal conditions during practices conducted in high heat and humidity. Stringer died of heatstroke complications two years ago, 15 hours after collapsing following a training-camp practice session.

“A league that disciplines players for not tucking in their jerseys or pulling up their socks, certainly has the authority to tell its teams that they can’t practice or wear particular equipment beyond specified temperatures,” said Paul Demarco, one of the attorneys representing Kelci Stringer. “That’s really what this case is about -- the NFL’s failure to use its authority to require teams that are under its absolute control to conduct their workplace in a safe manner.”

Said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello: “We have not had an opportunity to review the lawsuit and cannot comment on the substance of it. We share the Stringer family’s sadness. But we are surprised and disappointed that the approach to this tragedy is to continue to pursue a strategy of litigation.”

The lawsuit names the NFL, sports equipment maker Riddell Inc., and Dr. John Lombardo, a Columbus sports physician who the lawsuit says is a member of the NFL safety and injury panel and advises the NFL on health issues.

In April, a Minnesota judge dismissed Kelci Stringer’s $100-million lawsuit against the Vikings. Stringer also reached a settlement for an undisclosed sum with Dr. David Knowles, the team’s physician. Her attorneys said at the time that they planned to ask the state appeals court to reinstate the claims against the Vikings.

The league has made changes within the last two years in the way it deals with the issue of practices in extreme heat and humidity. It has talked to teams on the subject and has banned ephedra, an herbal stimulant found in some studies to increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and death.