Lawsuit details surgery that ended ex-Viking Sharrif Floyd's career

Former Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd's $180 million lawsuit against Dr. James Andrews and others is a 42-page complaint that claims that medical malpractice throughout a September 2016 surgery allegedly ended Floyd's NFL career.

Eleven defendants are named in Floyd's case to recoup money from a lost NFL career.

According to the complaint, Floyd arrived at the Andrews Institute in Pensacola, Fla., surprised he'd been scheduled for surgery on his right knee. Floyd thought he was traveling for an examination but was told a minor arthroscopic procedure was needed. He consented to a procedure he was told would keep him out three to four weeks during the 2016 season.

"Mr. Floyd consented to only such a limited procedure," according to the lawsuit, claiming documentation before surgery makes no reference to the "more invasive procedure performed."

But Andrews and two "very new" surgical fellows performed a surgery with "far greater risks" that involved puncturing and drilling into the bone. The lawsuit claims the more advanced operation would've ended his year, "even if successful." It was aimed to stimulate growth in his cartilage, for which Floyd had surgery on his other knee in 2015.

One of the defendants, Baptist Health Care, issued this statement through an e-mail: "We strongly dispute Mr. Floyd's allegations and plan to vigorously defend this case. Unfortunately we are unable to comment further due to the nature of the litigation."

A message left at the the Andrews Institute seeking comment was not immediately returned.

According to the lawsuit, Andrews did not inform Dr. Greg Hickman, the anesthesiologist, of "patient-specific concerns," including the pain blocker's high risk for an athlete "approaching a contract year."

They also allege a lack of post-surgical communication with physical therapists regarding possible complications like nerve damage.

Floyd, who had 10.5 sacks in 45 games for the Vikings, sent and deleted last week from his official Twitter account: "We're going all the way baby. My joy has been taken and I want it back. All #allmylifeIhadtofight @Vikings you won't treat another kid this way ever again!"

The Vikings are not named in the lawsuit. But Floyd does have an outstanding grievance against the team through the players union to recoup about $4.76 million of lost salary from his $6.76 million option in 2017. The Vikings paid out a $2 million injury settlement.