David Chao, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and physician for the National Football League's San Diego Chargers since 1996, resigned from the team last week, citing personal issues. But a recent report in USA Today's sports section suggests that professional factors drove Dr. Chao's decision.

In an article published on June 19, the newspaper reveals that Scripps Memorial Hospital and Scripps Mercy Hospital have revoked Dr. Chao's surgical privileges. The 2 hospitals are allegedly the only facilities at which Dr. Chao was credentialed to operate.

The newspaper obtained the information from signed court records presented as part of pre-trial motions in an upcoming lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court. The report refers to communication among the hospitals' administrators regarding the quality of Dr. Chao's care and his consumption of alcohol, and mentions a history of patient litigation.

Neither the hospitals, the team nor Dr. Chao responded to the newspaper's requests for comment.

David Bernard