Northwestern University lawyers are reviewing a videotape of the Aug. 3 practice during which senior safety Rashidi Wheeler collapsed and later died, the school's newspaper reported Thursday on its Web site.
The circumstances of Wheeler's death is under investigation by the university and representatives of Wheeler's family, including Rev. Jesse Jackson and Los Angeles attorney Johnnie Cochran.
Strength and conditioning coach Larry Lilja told the Daily Northwestern that the tape was made by the coaching staff to monitor the team's conditioning tests. The field where the workout was held is equipped with a 25-foot tower to tape exercises.
Wheeler's family has called into question alleged breakdowns in medical care as he died on the field.
Former Wildcats defensive end Conrad Emmerich, who was a senior last season, told the Daily Northwestern that conditioning drills like the one Wheeler participated in Aug. 3 are routinely taped by the coaching staff.
School officials are also investigating reports that Wheeler and other Northwestern players ingested banned dietary supplements.
A preliminary report by the Cook County coroner's office said the 22-year-old Wheeler died from complications resulting from bronchial asthma. A toxicology report will not be completed for several weeks.
Northwestern director of media relations Chuck Loebbaka declined to comment to the newspaper on questions regarding the videotape.
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