Bo Is Examined Amid Fears : Royals: Jackson reportedly has a degenerative hip injury that could end his athletic career.

Bo Jackson’s painful left hip was examined by the Kansas City Royals’ team physician Friday, amid speculation that the injury might be career threatening.

The San Diego Tribune, citing an unidentified source “close to Los Angeles medical authorities familiar with the case,” reported that Jackson is suffering from a hip condition known as avascular necrosis. The paper reported that the injury might be similar to that suffered by former Phoenix Cardinal quarterback Neil Lomax, who was forced into early retirement two years ago.

Jackson was injured Jan. 13 after a long run during the Raiders’ 20-10 playoff victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at the Coliseum. The Raiders initially diagnosed the injury as a hip strain and held out hope that he might play in the AFC title game, but Jackson was still walking on crutches almost two months later when he reported to spring training with the Royals.

A spokesman for the Royals said Friday that the team would not comment on Jackson’s condition until Tuesday, after the two-sport star is examined by Birmingham orthopedic surgeon, Jim Andrews. Jackson was examined Friday in Kansas City by team physician Steven Joyce.

Richard Woods, Jackson’s agent, did not return phone calls Friday, but according to a Raider official who had spoken with him, Woods called the Tribune speculation absurd.

While he was with the Raiders, Jackson’s injury was treated by team physician Robert Rosenfeld. A spokeswoman in his office said Rosenfeld would be in emergency surgery all day, but she quoted the doctor saying the situation was being handled by the Royals.

Raider executive Al LoCasale said the Raiders were in no position to evaluate Jackson’s condition.

“From what I’ve been told, it’s absolutely unfounded,” he said of speculation that Jackson’s career might be in jeopardy. “I have heard nothing, other than a couple weeks ago, when the (Kansas City) doctor said he’d be on crutches for four weeks. Any medical comment should come from them.”

Avascular necrosis is a condition in which the blood supply is cut off to a particular part of the bone, causing it to harden.

Jackson signed a one-year, $2.38-million contract with the Royals in February. He has one year remaining on a five-year, $7.4-million contract with the Raiders.