NFLPA requests Chargers doctor with malpractice history removed

The NFL Players Assn. has formally requested the San Diego Chargers find a new doctor after the union revealed the team’s current physician, Dr. David Chao, has been found liable of medical malpractice, according to U-T San Diego.

“There is a team doctor named Dr. Chao who is currently the San Diego team doctor who has been found liable of medical malpractice twice -- twice,” said NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith at a news conference Thursday. “The same doctor was the subject of a DEA investigation. He’s still the San Diego Chargers team doctor.”

Smith said the NFLPA has requested a credentialing process for team doctors, according to NFL.com.

A Chargers spokesperson told U-T San Diego the team was still gathering information about the NFLPA’s allegations.

The union also shared the results of an internal player survey, conducted by the NFLPA, in which 78% of players said they don’t trust their team’s doctors.

The survey’s sample size and methods were not immediately known.

“[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.”

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