US | Justin Butler 'Choking Game' Blamed in Teen's Bowflex Death Parents think 16-year-old was playing game to get high By Matthew Posted Sep 22, 2010 4:18 PM CDT Posted Sep 22, 2010 4:18 PM CDT Promoted on Newser Sep 22, 2010 5:11 PM CDT Copied File photo. A teen football player's death has been blamed on the 'choking game.' (AP) A Sacramento-area high school football player who died while using a Bowflex machine was apparently playing a variation of what's known as the "choking game." The parents of 16-year-old Justin Butler told FOX40 News he likely died while attempting to play the game, which deprives an individual of oxygen for a short period of time so they can achieve a drug-like high. Authorities have ruled out suicide as the cause of death. The coroner has not confirmed what killed Butler. Read These Next Lily Allen's 'revenge dress' literally has the receipts. Two animals thought to have vanished 6K years ago are back. After 12-year-old boy's crash on e-motorcycle, his dad is charged. Rumors of Iran invasion swirl after Army calls off major drill. Report an error