Easley Suing Seahawks Over Kidney Ailment

Kenny Easley, former Seattle Seahawks safety, has sued the National Football League team, claiming that he was allowed to play through the 1987 season without being told he had an irreversible kidney ailment that eventually ended his career.

Easley’s suit alleges that his kidneys were ruined by large doses of ibuprofen, a pain reliever. The 30-year-old former All-Pro undergoes dialysis three times a week.

Easley’s seven-year career ended last year after the kidney ailment was diagnosed. The discovery was made during a physical when the Seahawks attempted to trade Easley to the Phoenix Cardinals.

Easley’s suit in King County Superior Court alleges that his kidney problems were caused or substantially aggravated by large doses of Advil, a brand name for ibuprofen, while he was recovering from ankle surgery in 1986.

The suit seeks an unspecified amount for loss of income, medical costs, reduction in earning capacity, mental and physical pain and suffering, and shortened life expectancy.