Stringer Appeal Denied

The widow of lineman Korey Stringer hit another, probably final, legal roadblock Thursday when the Minnesota Supreme Court refused to let her pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the Vikings and several employees.

Siding with two lower courts, the Supreme Court’s 4-2 decision -- Justice Alan Page, a former Viking, recused himself -- exhausted Kelci Stringer’s avenues in state court.

Viking tackle Korey Stringer died in training camp four years ago.

Kelci Stringer sued the team, claiming her 27-year-old husband didn’t receive proper medical care after collapsing following a blocking drill. Stringer, a 335-pound Pro Bowl tackle 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.

Korey Stringer’s agent, Jim Gould, who remains a family spokesman, said Kelci was upset.

“The door is now shut, and we’re very disappointed,” Gould said. “In our opinion justice was not served.”

Viking attorney Jim O’Neal said the decision is the final word in the case, but the team still has mixed emotions, adding, “There’s nothing about this case that is cause for celebration.”

The Stringer family still has a lawsuit pending against the NFL in federal court, claiming the league hasn’t done enough to protect its players from potential injuries or deaths caused by heat-related illnesses.

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Philadelphia Eagle quarterback Donovan McNabb was told by Dr. William Meyers to have surgery for an adominal strain that probably would end his season.

McNabb, who will sit out Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, is expected to seek other opinions before making a decision.

Mike McMahon will replace him Sunday.

Meanwhile, Eagle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter said he would welcome controversial receiver Terrell Owens back to the team with open arms.

“We would love to have T.O. back, we would love to have him back because we love what he brings to the team,” Trotter said on an ESPN show. “It would definitely make us a better team.”

Eagle Coach Andy Reid suspended Owens last week for a series of incidents that included public criticism of the organization and McNabb. Following Owens’ suspension, the Eagles plan to deactivate him for the rest of the season.

Owens has appealed, and a hearing before an arbiter is scheduled for today in Philadelphia.

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Kansas City Chief running back Priest Holmes says he’ll undergo two more tests on his neck and spine and then decide whether to return next season. In his first public comments since going on injured reserve, Holmes, 32, also disputed a report that he had a lump on his spine.

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With Ben Roethlisberger still not ready after knee surgery, third-string Tommy Maddox will be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Sunday at Baltimore.

Coach Bill Cowher said that Roethlisberger could be the backup after sitting out two games started by Charlie Batch, who broke a finger last week against Cleveland. But Maddox will start for the first time since committing four turnovers in an overtime loss to Jacksonville on Oct. 16.

Cowher also said running back Willie Parker is expected to start against the Ravens after sitting out one game because of a sprained ankle.

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Giant linebacker Reggie Torbor will sit out two to four weeks because of hernia surgery.