The NFLPA has demonstrated its general mistrust of team doctors.
Now they have a specific target.
According to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego, the union wants the Chargers to replace Dr. David Chao.
The union has asked the league find a “suitable replacement” for Chao, according to NFLPA assistant executive director of external affairs George Atallah.
"(Chao) has a clear track record of misconduct,” NFLPA President Domonique Foxworth said. “It’s unfortunate for the guys who play there. It’s something that we can’t control, but we can definitely put pressure to improve. We’re trying now.
“I don’t know that it’s appropriate to talk about all the steps we’re taking, but the first step is that we’re making people aware.”
During the NFLPA press conference, Chao was the one doctor singled out by executive director DeMaurice Smith during a discussion of the union’s problems with medical care for players.
“There is a team doctor named Dr. Chao who is currently the San Diego team doctor,” Smith said, “who has been found liable of medical malpractice twice — twice. The same doctor was the subject of a DEA investigation. He’s still the San Diego Chargers team doctor.
“Now, I’m not a doctor. I don’t even play one on TV. But it seems to me that the players of the National Football League deserve to have a doctor who’s not been found liable of malpractice, and that’s within the last year.”
The Chargers did not respond, saying they were still gathering information.