Washington Athlete Has Unnecessary Surgery

Forward J.D. Taylor of the University of Washington underwent an emergency but, as it turned out, unnecessary appendectomy and probably will miss the rest of the regular basketball season, school athletic officials announced Wednesday.

Taylor’s appendix was removed Monday night at University Hospital after he had complained of pain in his lower abdominal area. The appendix was discovered to be healthy after it was removed, Coach Andy Russo said.

“He just had the flu,” Russo said. “I’m pretty upset about it.”

The surgery was performed by Dr. Haile Debas. He could not be reached for comment.

“The philosophy was, it’s better safe than sorry,” Russo said.