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Taking another step Vikings finish second practice since Stringer's tragic death
Updated: Friday August 03, 2001 4:26 PM
MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings were more upbeat at training camp Friday, the team's second day at practice after the heatstroke death of Korey Stringer. Players ran through an abbreviated workout without pads before heading back to the Twin Cities for a memorial service Friday. "I think we definitely practiced better today," head coach Dennis Green said. "It was another step." As with Thursday's practice, a moment of prayer was held for Stringer, who collapsed after an intense Tuesday morning practice and died early Wednesday morning at a Mankato hospital. Fans gathered on the Minnesota State University campus to watch the practice greeted the Vikings with warm applause as they took the field. The collection of bouquets honoring Stringer had grown slightly. The Vikings maintain no one was to blame for the Pro Bowl tackle's death, Green said. The coach refused again Friday to answer questions about the circumstances. The first day he might do so is Tuesday, a day after services for Stringer in his native Ohio.
An autopsy was done at Immanuel St. Joseph's-Mayo Health System hospital, where Stringer died, on the day of his death. Hospital spokesman Kevin Burns said he believed the results would be private. NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue ordered NFL teams to closely monitor all players to avoid heatstroke. He sent a memo Thursday, saying executives, coaches and team medical personnel should meet regularly to discuss practice conditions, particularly in hot weather. The state of Minnesota is investigating to determine whether the team was negligent, a standard practice for deaths that occur in the workplace. James Honerman, a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, said the agency met with Vikings officials and they were cooperative. The agency is examining what kind of training Vikings staff and employees had in dealing with heat-related illnesses, Honerman said. The 335-pound Stringer had trouble with the heat on Monday, and the heat index in Mankato reached 110 degrees the next day on the team's first day in full pads. The heat index was 96 at 11 a.m., shortly before the Tuesday morning session ended. On Thursday, offensive line coach Mike Tice said Stringer showed no warning signs. "He didn't look like he needed water," Tice said. "He looked good on film, too. He had a fantastic practice. He was sharp. He was crisp. He got all his blocks." Longtime trainer Fred Zamberletti recalled Thursday how the 27-year-old lineman walked off the field on his own and entered an air conditioned trailer set up as a makeshift training room on the practice field. "He went in there, walked around in there," Zamberletti said. "The kid did everything perfect. The paramedics thanked us and said they appreciated what we've done here."
Tice said Stringer was upset and embarrassed Tuesday at a newspaper photo that showed him doubled over during Monday's practice. Some Vikings reportedly needled Stringer about the picture. "He wasn't really thrilled with that picture," Tice said. "He was out to prove he was a leader and wasn't going to let anyone embarrass him like that." Stringer's family, including wife Kelci and 3-year-old son Kodie, issued a statement Thursday thanking the public for support. "The only thing that we ask as we embark on our future without Korey is that you understand our need for privacy," the statement said. "We just need time." The Vikings canceled an intrasquad scrimmage Friday night and a scrimmage against Kansas City on Monday. They planned a closed workout in the Twin Cities on Saturday. A public viewing will be held in Warren, Ohio, Stringer's hometown, on Sunday. A private funeral service and burial will follow Monday in Warren.
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