Ex-Seahawk Easley Serious After Surgery

SEATTLE —  Former Seattle Seahawk Kenny Easley was in serious condition today after undergoing a kidney transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center, a spokeswoman said.

Spokeswoman Inez Ahina said Easley’s condition was normal for someone after the 2 1/2-hour operation, which took place Thursday night.

Easley, 31, a safety, had been in renal failure for two years and was undergoing kidney dialysis three times a week, said Leslie Tidball, a spokeswoman with Easley’s sports agent business, Easley Osborne Sports Management Group.

Tidball said Easley had been called to the hospital Thursday for the operation that began at 11 p.m.

“The doctors say he’s doing very well,” Tidball said, adding that Easley was expected to be released from the hospital in 10 to 14 days.

Easley’s seven-year NFL career ended in the spring of 1988 when an irreversible kidney ailment was discovered during a routine physical when the Seahawks attempted to trade him to the Phoenix Cardinals.

Easley, Seattle’s first-round draft pick in 1981, was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and was chosen as NFL defensive player of the year in 1984. He was a two-time All-America at UCLA.

In 1989, Easley sued the Seahawks, alleging that he was allowed to play through the 1987 season without being told that he had the kidney problem.