Vikings cancel Friday training camp for Tony Sparano memorial service
Photo credit Minnesota Vikings
EAGAN, Minn. (KMSP) - The Minnesota Vikings have canceled Friday's training camp practice so the team can attend the memorial service for offensive line coach Tony Sparano, who unexpectedly passed away Sunday.
The 56-year-old was found dead in his home, just a few days after a visit to the doctor where he reportedly complained about chest pains. An autopsy showed he suffered from heart disease and died of natural causes.
His family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association.
Fans with tickets to Friday's practice will be contacted directly by the Vikings ticket office, the team said in a news release. The Vikings will return to regularly scheduled practices on Saturday.
Training camp officially started Tuesday, with rookies reporting the new headquarters in Eagan. Practices begin tomorrow. Veterans were supposed to report to training camp on Friday.