Surgeon Says It Was Injury That Ended Bosworth's Career

Brian Bosworth's chief expert witness testified in federal court that the linebacker's career ended because of an injury to his right shoulder suffered against the Phoenix Cardinals in 1989.

"That injury itself prevented him from continuing to play football," New York surgeon Joseph Zuckerman said yesterday.

Bosworth suffered the injury while tackling Ron Wolfley in the third quarter of the 34-24 loss to the Cardinals. He testified last week he re-entered the game in pain later in the period but was unable to continue after tackling Stump Mitchell on what was the last play of both their careers.

Bosworth is seeking $5.1 million in unpaid insurance benefits from Lloyd's of London on two policies the Seahawks purchased on his behalf. The insurance company contends the policies were for "accident-only" injuries and that degenerative arthritis in both shoulders, which it classifies as a disease, ended his career.

Zuckerman said the injury may have "awakened" some arthritis already in the shoulder, but said the shoulder damage suffered in the game, not arthritis, is why Bosworth was unable to play football again.

Zuckerman was the fourth medical witness called this week by Bosworth's attorneys. He was preceded by Seahawk trainer Jim Whitesel, University of Oklahoma trainer Daniel Pickett and Seahawks orthopedic surgeon Pierce Scranton.