Star Lotulelei gets positive medical report

Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

A heart specialist who conducted tests on Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei has determined the NFL prospect's heart is functioning normally and his abnormal test at the February scouting combine might have been due to a viral infection.

In a letter to Lotulelei's agent Bruce Tollner of REP 1 Sports that was forwarded to USA TODAY Sports, University of Utah cardiologist Josef Stehlik writes Lotulelei's heart function was improved during tests performed at the school's Health Sciences Center one week after Lotulelei withdrew from combine drills at the suggestion of doctors.

"A treadmill stress test showed normal response of the heart to exercise and an ambulatory EKG monitor revealed normal findings," Stehlik wrote. "This evaluation suggested that the initial heart function abnormality was likely transient, resulting from a viral infection."

Stehlik wrote a follow-up heart imaging test conducted last week showed "complete normalization of the heart muscle function."

Stehlik continued, "The cardiac evaluation Star Lotulelei underwent was thorough and comprehensive. It is therefore concluded that it is safe for him to participate in professional athletics without restrictions."

A person informed of the testing said Lotulelei has had multiple MRIs and nine total exams on his heart that have all come back clean. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because Lotulelei only authorized doctors to speak on his behalf in regard to his heart, said information has been provided to NFL teams that clears Lotulelei physically. The person said Lotulelei won't have to go back for the follow-up exam usually required of players who have medical issues at the combine.

Lotulelei was considered by many to be a top 5 pick in next month's draft before the combine. His stock dropped after the medical concerns arose. Florida's Sharrif Floyd took over as the top projected defensive lineman.

But the latest tests, along with solid pro-day performance on March 20, in which Lotulelei put up 38 reps on the bench press and ran a 4.65-second short shuttle, could help him move back up draft boards.