University of Missouri officials failed to follow policies for medical emergencies when freshman linebacker Aaron O'Neal collapsed and later died during a 2005 summer workout, according to legal documents obtained by The Associated Press.
The university agreed in March to pay $2 million to O'Neal's parents to settle a lawsuit. But the sworn testimony of several key university employees who supervised the workout show a series of missteps.
Athletic department employees also showed an unfamiliarity with potential exercise-induced complications caused by sickle cell trait despite NCAA, school and professional association requirements. O'Neal carried the inherited blood disorder that affects an estimated 8 percent to 10 percent of African-Americans.
The school's strength and conditioning director, who supervised the workout, testified he lacked the necessary professional certification to be hired.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4068127
