Relatives of George Gipp sue family member, ESPN and writer over exhumation of remains

Bynum said he and Frueh, a longtime acquaintance, had wanted only to resolve the question honestly. He denied the lawsuit's accusation of being motivated by "promises of future benefits and royalties," saying it was the plaintiffs who were making "an old-fashioned money grab."

"We tried to do everything the right way, to follow the letter of the law, do what was proper and Christian and to help someone that was asking for help," Bynum said.

Phone messages seeking comment were left for Frueh and for Dr. Dawn Nulf, the county medical examiner who authorized the exhumation. Nulf previously told The Associated Press that Frueh had filed the necessary paperwork and the procedure had been done respectfully.

The lawsuit contends the exhumation did not meet legal requirements and accuses Nulf of negligence.

It says the Western Upper Peninsula District Health Department was negligent by failing to prevent the exhumation. A phone message was left with the department.

Also named as defendants were the cemetery and Neil Ahola, owner of the funeral home that transported Gipp's remains to and from the county morgue. Ahola declined comment.