Jason Pierre-Paul, the defensive end for the New York Giants had his right index finger amputated following a 4th of July fireworks accident in 2015. NY Giants Chairman Steve Tisch told TMZ that the accident will not ban fireworks for the other players on Friday, Aug. 14.
A TMZ Sports reporter caught Tisch in Beverly Hills on Friday and asked if there will be an “anti-fireworks clause in all the players’ contracts next year.” Tisch simply said, “no.” He said that they would not need such a clause since Pierre-Paul’s situation was “unique.”
“I feel terrible for Jason. What happened to Jason, every player in the league knows about it, so I think that’s a strong enough statement,” said Tisch.
Pierre-Paul was celebrating Independence Day with friends and family at his home in South Florida when the incident occurred. Fireworks caused him extensive damage to his hands. He suffered fractures and was checked for nerve damage. His right index finger was amputated on Wednesday, July 8. According to ESPN, Pierre-Paul underwent numerous surgeries and was hospitalized for days.
“From a football standpoint, the Giants must compensate for Pierre-Paul’s ability to harass and tackle quarterbacks whose objective is to pass the ball,” reported ESPN. “JPP has 42.0 career sacks in five seasons. The top four defensive ends currently in uniform – Robert Ayers, George Selvie, Damontre Moore and Kerry Wynn – have 37.0 sacks in 14 combined years. Pierre-Paul led the Giants with 12.5 sacks last year.”
Pierre-Paul is no longer under contract with the Giants because he has not yet signed his $14.8 million one-year franchise tender. In fact, the 6’5” player evaded contact with Giants’ representatives for weeks. He recently opened conversation with defensive line coach Robert Nunn, general manager Jerry Reese, and head coach Tom Coughlin.
“My message to him is get better, we cheer for you. Ronnie and our doctors have access to the best doctors, if not in New York City and the country, possibly in the world. He should take advantage of that,” said Tisch on Sunday, Aug. 9. “Let us see you sooner than later. You’re not going to be judged, you’re going to be helped.”
Another NFL player who suffered damage due to fireworks that same weekend was C.J. Wilson, a 25-year-old cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wilson has reportedly retired from the league, following the amputation of two fingers.