EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings will retire the late Korey Stinger's No. 77 jersey during a halftime ceremony in the Monday, November 19 game against the New York Giants.
The announcement comes four days after the family of Stringer revealed plans to file a $100 million wrongful-death lawsuit against the Vikings, claiming the team was negligent in the events that led to the death of the Pro Bowl tackle.
Calling the conduct of Vikings owner Red McCombs "unconscionable," family attorney Stanley M. Chesley said at a news conference last Thursday that the suit would be filed at the conclusion of the Vikings' season.
Stringer died August 1 in training camp due to complications from heat stroke. He was 27.
The Minnnesota Occupational Safety and Health Division cleared the Vikings of any wrongdoing.
The Monday night ceremony will include adding Stringer to the Vikings Ring of Fame, a moment of silence and McCombs presenting Kelci, Stringer's widow, with the retired jersey.
"We look forward to continuing to honor Korey's contributions to the Vikings family at halftime of Monday's game," McCombs said. "I have been planning since the date was set for the ceremony to share my views on Korey's achievements, and I'm honored that Kelci has now asked me to present her with Korey's retired jersey."
That could be an awkward scene since Kelci Stringer accused McCombs of avoiding her during a recent game at the Metrodome.
"Red McCombs has displayed total disregard," Kelci Stringer said last Thursday. "No attempt has been made to speak with me."
Stringer's number will be the fourth retired by the Vikings in their 41-year history, joining Fran Tarkenton (No. 10), Alan Page (No. 88) and Jim Marshall (No. 70). Mick Tingelhoff's No. 53 jersey will be retired during a November 25 game against Chicago.
