Meyers Leonard, an NBA free agent, has filed a lawsuit alleging that a poorly performed ankle operation caused him
to suffer nerve damage, excruciating pain, mental suffering, and lost wages.
The Hospital for Special Surgery, Dr. David Kim, and Dr. Martin O’Malley are all accused of “carelessness and
negligence” in the Monday filing, which Mail Sport was able to get. Meyers and his spouse Elizabeth are requesting
specific compensatory damages through their solicitors, along with additional disbursements and court fees.
By April 2021, Leonard had already had surgery on his ankle, terminating his season and keeping him out of action
for the Miami Heat.
However, in the midst of having surgery on his ankle and shoulder, Leonard sparked a heated debate by making an
anti-Semitic remark on a video game live stream that was watched by millions of people online. After serving a
suspension and apologizing, Leonard was dealt to Oklahoma City and eventually released before appearing in a
game. Last season, he made a brief comeback to the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks.
With the NBA regular season beginning later this month, Leonard is still unsigned.
Mail Sport reached out to him for comment, but neither his agent nor his lawyer got back to her right away.
In a statement, an HSS representative said that Leonard’s lawsuit had “no merit.”
The HSS response stated, “HSS is aware of the lawsuit filed on behalf of Mr. Meyers Leonard.” “While we are legally
unable to discuss specifics, we can state that, in our opinion, this case is without merit based on the information at
our disposal.”We are happy that Mr. Leonard was able to resume playing in the National Basketball Association
following his operation, and we eagerly await the chance to argue our case in court. As of right now, we have nothing
additional to say.
The lawsuit that MailSport was able to receive claims that HSS did not “properly perform the operative procedure,”
which led to nerve injuries, including sciatic nerve injuries. Meyers further alleges that the hospital neglected to get
informed consent and carried out a “unnecessary procedure.”
“Said events occurred as a result of the defendants’ and their servants’, agents’, and/or employees’ carelessness and
negligence in failing to treat plaintiff Meyers Leonard in a good, accepted, and proper medical manner, all without
the plaintiff’s fault or lack of care.”
The lawsuit goes on to describe Leonard’s alleged suffering, stating that he is dealing with ailments that are “of a
permanent and lasting nature.””
“[Leonard] was and will be unable to perform his usual activities, and a certain amount of money was and will be
incurred for medical and hospital care on his behalf,” the document stated.
For Leonard, who was accused of anti-Semitism in the spring of 2021 after making an anti-Semitic epithet on a video
game livestream, the surgery came at a crucial time.
Leonard may be heard yelling, “F***ing cowards,” during the live broadcast. “You f***ing k*** b****, don’t f***ing
snipe me.”
Subsequently, Leonard claimed that he had no idea what the term meant and that there was still “no excuse” for
using it.
In an interview that aired in 2021, Leonard said to ESPN’s “Outside the Lines,” “There’s not a hateful cell in my
body.” “And I am aware that I made a grave error.”
Leonard’s decision to stand for the national anthem alongside his Miami teammates at the NBA’s 2019–20 season
restart last summer caused considerable controversy to express opposition to racism, they knelt.
Before a game in the Orlando league bubble, Leonard told The Associated Press, “Some of the conversations I’ve had
over the past three days, quite literally, have been the most difficult.” “I support and love the military, my brother,
and all those who have fought for our rights in this country,” said the Black Lives Matter movement member.
In August, he gave an explanation of his choice, stating that he could support Black Lives Matter and still be a
patriot.
The 7-foot former standout player from the University of Illinois was selected by Portland with the 11th pick in the
2012 NBA Draft, and he spent the majority of his career there.
Over a ten-year period, Leonard’s NBA earnings have approached $60 million.
