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Coach Claims Malpractice In Obesity Surgery

Lawyer Says Docs Did Not Recognize Complications

POSTED: 11:22 am EST February 13, 2007
UPDATED: 3:18 pm EST February 13, 2007

A medical malpractice lawsuit filed by former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis began Tuesday.

NewsCenter 5's Shiba Russell reported that Weis nearly died after having gastric bypass surgery in 2002.

Weis, who is now the head coach at Notre Dame, alleged Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. Charles Ferguson and Dr. Richard Hodin acted negligently in June 2002. Weis went into a coma for two weeks after the operation.

During opening statements, Weis' attorney told the jury that Hodin was covering for Ferguson when the complications developed. The attorney said that Weis bled internally for about 30 hours before undergoing an operation.

"In hindsight, yes, I am sorry I had it done, but I am also sorry that I haven't been able to control that issue on my own," Weis said shortly after his surgery.

Weis is expected to testify in Suffolk Superior Court on Wednesday. The court will also hear from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

The civil trial is expected to last for about two weeks. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

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