NY Giants player injured while lighting fireworks
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is being treated for multiple hand injuries incurred while helping light fireworks Saturday night.
It was not known Monday whether Pierre-Paul’s injuries will impact him on the field or his arrival at training camp when the team reports July 30.
Pierre-Paul, who was offered a one-year franchise tender for the 2015 season of $14.813 million as the Giants franchise player, had burn-related injuries to his palms and possible nerve damage according to multiple reports. Pierre-Paul has not signed the deal.
NFL Network reported Monday, citing three sources, that the Giants pulled a long-term offer worth at least $60 million. The report claimed concerns over Pierre-Paul’s judgment and health.
He is being treated at Broward Health North in Deerfield Beach, Fla.
The 15th overall pick in the 2010 draft, Pierre-Paul has 42 sacks in 75 career games.
Neighbors said Pierre-Paul rented a U-Haul that was full of fireworks and he made his plans for a major display known to those in his immediate neighborhood.
Pierre-Paul has not attended Giants’ offseason workouts to avoid injury and retain leverage in talks toward a long-term contract. Any injury could jeopardize those negotiations. The Giants are permitted to pull the offer at any time for any reason, but that would make the talented pass rusher a free agent.
Pierre-Paul was slowed by injuries in 2012 and 2013 and came on strong in the second half of the 2014 season, albeit against average competition, with 12.5 sacks and nine in the final five games.
The Giants are returning to the scheme that helped them end the New England Patriots bid for an undefeated season in 2008 under Steve Spagnuolo, who is back as defensive coordinator. George Selvie, signed as a free agent from the Dallas Cowboys, rookie Owa Odighizuwa and Damonte Moore are among options to fill in if Pierre-Paul is not available.
