New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul was forced to amputate a right index finger he injured in a fireworks accident, according to a report from Adam Schefter.

The ESPN reporter cited medical sources in a tweet on Wednesday evening and even tweeted a picture of his medical records of the amputation.

In another tweet however, medical sources and experts do not expect this injury to be career threatening, nor for the player to miss substantial time this season.

Pierre-Paul, or JPP, 26, severely injured and burned his hand(s) in an Independence Day fireworks show gone wrong in his home state of Florida.

He's been in the hospital ever since.

The leak of the medical records is a slippery slope as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) rules and violations of those rules come into play. According to the rule, Schefter nor ESPN is subject to any wrongdoing because it falls under the responsibility of medical officials keeping those records confidential.

Another report then surfaced on Wednesday evening that the Giants were unaware of the amputation until Schefter's report was published. The amputation was Pierre-Paul's decision and was done to minimize any damage. Pierre-Paul is engaged to be married and also has an infant child, which is also said to have been a factor in his decision.

A prominent doctor and a former NFL head team physician seems to think that the loss of an index finger will prove to be the least significant in regards to a "power grip" for a defensive end. In his expert opinion, the loss of a players thumb would deem most significant for a player of JPP's position:


JPP was slapped with the Giants franchise tag and was slated to make $14.8 million this season, but has not signed the offer. This week the Giants had pulled a $60 million contract extension the team had previously on the table. If the Giants decide to revoke the unsigned franchise tag, Pierre-Paul would become an unrestricted free agent.

It is said medical experts expect Pierre-Paul to return "sooner, rather than later."

Thursday on the Sports Bash, Jordan Raanan called in to give us the latest information and insight on the unfortunate accident to Pierre-Paul. Raanan reported that Giants officials have been all but shut out of Pierre-Paul's thinking and only his inner circle has been involved.

Members of the Giants flew down to Florida trying to visit with Pierre-Paul, but were informed that they are not permitted in his room.

Raanan expects the Giants to make an announcement and update the media as soon as they gather enough information.

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