*Lions LB Beer advised to give up football for medical reasons*

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Detroit Lions linebacker Tom Beer has been advised to leave
football for medical reasons, the team announced today. 

The advice came after the 28-year-old Beer underwent three days
of neurological testing in Saginaw, Michigan, and Detroit. 

"Based on the results of his test and the professional opinion
of the people at Henry Ford Hospital, they have so advised him
that they will not allow him to return to professional football
because of the potential risk of further neurological
complications," said head athletic trainer Kent Falb. 

"He will be meeting with the Lions management and the coach
within the next couple of days to discuss this matter further,
and at this time, we do not see Tom Beer returning to
professional football." 

The 6-foot-1, 237-pound Beer started one game and played all 16
last season. He tied for third with 10 special teams tackles and
backed up Antonio London at the Lions' "sam" linebacker spot. 

Beer was a seventh-round pick in the 1994 draft at linebacker,
but shifted to fullback for the 1995 season.