Chargers doctor steps down

David Chao, the team doctor for the Chargers, stated this Thursday that he’ll be stepping down. He’s been with the team for 17 seasons.

Chao said he wants time to spend with his wife and children, and also has a back injury that will require him to get surgery this month. He said his time spent with the Chargers has been great, and said he wouldn’t trade it for the world.

However, controversy has surrounded Chao’s time with the Chargers. In the past few years, it has been reported that he has had two drunk driving citations, several medical malpractice lawsuits, a public reprimand from the California medical board, and an investigation into his record keeping by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Additionally, at a Super Bowl news conference in January, some New Orleans official demanded that Chao be replaced.

However, the Chargers stand by their doctor, saying that he was part of the team.