Embattled New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is reportedly preparing to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against his team doctor Chris Ahmad for allegedly failing to properly diagnose a torn labrum in his left hip.
According to medical records obtained by ESPN, the radiologist working with Dr. Ahmad stated, “Stable postoperative appearance of the right hip with no evidence of labral re-tear, stable degenerative change, and only minimal gluteus medius insertional tendinosis. Partial evaluation of left hip revealing superior labral tear with small parabal cyst.”
The radiologist’s record does not contain Dr. Ahmad’s analysis or documentation. A-Rod's lawyer, Joseph Tacopina, alleges that the Yankees hid MRI results and continued putting him in the lineup in order to embarrass and punish him.
“They rolled him out there like an invalid and made him look like he was finished as a ballplayer,” Tacopina told the New York Times.
Tacopina made similar statements in a very awkward interview with the Today Show’s Matt Lauer.
In response to news of a possible medical malpractice claim, the Yankees released a statement alleging it “relied upon Dr. Christopher Ahmad and the New York-Presbyterian Hospital for medical diagnosis, opinions and treatment.” The legendary baseball team states that any questions about the suit should be directed to the hospital and Dr. Ahmad.
On Saturday, the Yankees team president Randy Levine told CBS that Rodriguez should “put up or shut up” regarding a medical claim.
“We believed he's received the highest standard of care,” Levine said.
Earlier this month, the 38-year-old Rodriguez was suspended 211 games for his connection with a steroid drug company. He is able to play while the suspension is being appealed.