Two NFL Players Lose Three Fingers to Fireworks Injuries

Two NFL players lost fingers as a result of accidental fireworks explosions during Independence Day celebrations.

ESPN reported that New York Giants star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul suffered injuries to both hands and had his right index finger amputated on Wednesday.

ESPN obtained medical charts that show Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul had right index finger amputated today. pic.twitter.com/VI5cbS1uCw

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 8, 2015

JPP underwent several surgeries and suffered fractures to his right thumb during the incident. His thumb could take longer to heal than the wounds from his amputated finger.

The 26-year-old led the Giants in sacks, forced fumbles, and disrupted drop backs and ranked third in tackles during the team’s 2014 campaign. Technically, he is an unsigned player and it is unclear if his injuries will affect his ongoing contract negotiations.  

The loss of a finger impairs the strength of the hand up to 25%, said one ESPN analyst, and could undermine the defensive leader’s performance. Pierre-Paul is expected to remain in the hospital for several more days. The Giants have sent representatives down to Florida to meet with him and assess his condition. 

ESPN’s reporting, like the celebratory explosives, comes not without controversy.

“HIPAA” is trending due to this tweet… https://t.co/jGSxs3v8R7 ESPN’s short statement: “HIPAA does not apply to news organizations.” — Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) July 9, 2015

ESPN’s @AdamSchefter tweets a player’s medical chart, and Q’s erupt. HIPAA violation? Privacy invasion? My latest: http://t.co/XLUoAxzeH4

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) July 9, 2015

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson also recuperates from July 4th reveling. He lost two fingers in a fireworks accident last weekend.

“We are aware that C.J. was involved in an accident that occurred over the July 4th holiday,” the team said in a statement. “It is our understanding that the injury occurred to one of his hands, and our primary concern at this moment is for his long-term health. We have been in contact with C.J. and are continuing to monitor the situation.”

ESPN reported that the beleaguered 25-year-old’s agent, Joel Turner, refused to talk about the injury and referred all inquiries about Wilson’s situation to the Buccaneers. However, ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder  was told by an undisclosed source that the injury was “significant.”

Wilson fights to make the 2015-16 Buccaneer’s roster. After sustaining the hand injuries it is doubtful he will make the team, stated one ESPN analyst.