Judge To Consider Motions In Wrongful Death Case

Oxford, MS - A Lafayette County judge has a wrongful death case on hold while he considers motions.

Bennie and Erma Abram of Southaven sued the University of Mississippi last October over the death of their son during a February 2010 football practice.

The couple alleged the university didn't follow workout guidelines for players with sickle-cell trait. They say 20-year-old Bennie Abram was unaware he had the trait, which can deform red blood cells after strenuous exercise. The NCAA requires Division I schools to test players for it.

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports that Circuit Judge Andrew Howorth issued a stay on Thursday so he can consider a number of motions, including whether some former and current Ole Miss employees should be included as defendants.

The university has denied any wrongdoing.