Gruesome pictures easily found via Google, claimed to be of the injury, show bones completely denuded of any flesh. If the photos are genuine, this guy will never play football again. Reports are that he bought so many fireworks, he needed a U-Haul.
Football-wise, can't fault the guy. It's all about money and he's just trying to get as much as he can while he can; however, about those fireworks. How freakin' stupid. I'm sure we have ALL learned a valuable lesson. Right? Not.
I don't understand the point in all of this.
Any NFL contract JPP signs will be conditional on him completing a physical, everyone will know how injured he is, and he'll be paid accordingly. This will be the process if he signs with the Giants or is cut and allowed to sign elsewhere.
There is literally no reason for all the subterfuge coming from the JPP camp.
Any NFL contract JPP signs will be conditional on him completing a physical, everyone will know how injured he is, and he'll be paid accordingly. This will be the process if he signs with the Giants or is cut and allowed to sign elsewhere.
There is literally no reason for all the subterfuge coming from the JPP camp.
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One stupid and careless moment most likely cost JPP the rest of what might have been a hall of fame career not to mention a minimum of 40 million dollars had he signed the new contract he was briefly offered. With his money he could have hired the best fireworks company in the world to put on a private show for him. As a lifelong Giants fan I'll miss you JPP. Maybe I'll see you again in a few years as an analyst on NFL network explaining away the latest transgression committed by some other star player.
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Just another example of warped values. First the player was stupid for playing with fireworks. Second no entertainer should be worth this amount of money or publicity. He and the team are both signs of the "bread and circuses" society we live in.
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I'd prefer to learn what happened before calling him stupid. Perhaps someone else did something stupid that caused the accident and injury. How about a little empathy for a man who lost a digit and a career in an instant?
Super interesting article. None of this is about football, all of it is about contract negotiations. And from the contract point of view, it's actually really unique and it is no surpise everyone is moving slowly. With missing information and no obvious historical examples, it is only logical that trust goes out the window for both sides.
The franchise tag rule never took into consideration this case, where a player's value suddenly declines because of an injury. One thing is clear and that is the current value of JPP is one index finger short of $14.5 million. The Giants cannot tag him for that lower amount, whatever it is. The Giants could simply try to negotiate a long term deal, but at what value? Or, they could let him go. That would eventually clarify JPPs current "value" on an open market, but that means he may end up with a rival at a bargain price. Absence of information on the damages makes this hard for the Giants.
JPP must think he is in a better position by keeping the information to himself. He may "know" he can play, or he may think he's better off bluffing the market for now. JPP wins if he can enter negotiations with multiple teams by keeping quiet for now, and bluffing the Giants into cutting him. He is worse off if he allows himself to be examined by the Giants, who could then hurt JPP by announcing to everyone else that he is no longer worth the price. Or at best, just tag him.
Keeping the information private seems to favor JPP in negotiations.
The franchise tag rule never took into consideration this case, where a player's value suddenly declines because of an injury. One thing is clear and that is the current value of JPP is one index finger short of $14.5 million. The Giants cannot tag him for that lower amount, whatever it is. The Giants could simply try to negotiate a long term deal, but at what value? Or, they could let him go. That would eventually clarify JPPs current "value" on an open market, but that means he may end up with a rival at a bargain price. Absence of information on the damages makes this hard for the Giants.
JPP must think he is in a better position by keeping the information to himself. He may "know" he can play, or he may think he's better off bluffing the market for now. JPP wins if he can enter negotiations with multiple teams by keeping quiet for now, and bluffing the Giants into cutting him. He is worse off if he allows himself to be examined by the Giants, who could then hurt JPP by announcing to everyone else that he is no longer worth the price. Or at best, just tag him.
Keeping the information private seems to favor JPP in negotiations.
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If Mr. Pierre-Paul signs his franchise tag, he will have to allow the Giants to examine his hand. And the Giants will place him, rightly so, on the non-football injury list and he will not be paid.
As with so many injuries sustained by young people, a moment's lapse in judgement has lasting consequences.
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Plaxico Pierre Paul
stupid dumb dumber
stupid dumb dumber
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It's August 4. It's difficult to imagine him playing effectively this season. Hand injuries are complicated. Even if he leaves the Giants, what team would be able to take him on, at that salary level, without essential information regarding his health and fitness?
Oh wait, that's right, Jerry Jones. Sorry about that...
Oh wait, that's right, Jerry Jones. Sorry about that...
I am reminded of the wonderful Latrell Sprewell. He, who attacked and choked one of his coaches, P.J. Carlisemo. He, who managed to shoot himself in the leg with his concealed handgun. And, especially he, who in bargaining with his team at the time for a new contract, turned down a $9 million offer -- uttering the famous words, "I got a family to feed."
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Duh! This is an utter embarrassment for the Giants! Let JPP go he's done! Why is this so hard to figure out.
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Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the only reason the public knows about the amputated finger is because of a HIPPA violation by the treating hospital.
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Why is this even an issue?
No athlete can throw a football accurately and quickly without an index finger.
If he had lost his lost his finger due to an accident, rather than from his own stupidity, it would make no difference. His finger is gone and he should be too.
No athlete can throw a football accurately and quickly without an index finger.
If he had lost his lost his finger due to an accident, rather than from his own stupidity, it would make no difference. His finger is gone and he should be too.
Pierre-Paul is a defensive end. His job is to tackle running backs and quarterbacks, something he can probably do without an index finger on one hand. The job does require some grappling, so his hand strength does matter. So the salient questions are, how badly was that hand damaged and how well has rehab gone since the accident.
Sounds like this guy is listening to his attorneys regarding his contract, which is his right - but he has lost out on the human contact with the team, showing that he values money over professional conduct, which never turns out well. What is missing from the article - and yes, we are getting used to things missing from Times articles, sadly - is that this guy will have to pass a team physical to play at all, and the contract he signs will have a clause stating that he must be physically fit as per the team's doctors, so his income comes back to passing that physical. That will be interesting, for sure. He may claim to be fit, but it will be up to the team's panel of docs to agree or not. The key thing is not his contract, but his ability to pass that team physical.
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PLAYING WITH FIRE A hand injury including the amputation of a finger probably changes the ability of a player to perform. While I truly feel empathy for Pierre-Paul's loss, it seems that he's gaming the system for his own benefit. The psychological impact of such an injury could be powerful. So if the hand injury means the end of his pro career, that would be emotionally devastating. Still, it is logical to believe that he has an obligation to his team mates and his employer to report on his condition in a timely way. Pro sports are a high-stakes game, where the competitive mentality of win/lose reign. While I wish him well, sooner rather than later, he needs to come forth and enter into contract negotiations in good faith.
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I am sorry that Pierre Paul suffered such a grievous injury and I hope his recovery is such that he can continue to play the game, but I would be even sorrier for someone who is earning an average person's salary and who lets his employer in on the facts surrounding how badly he or she is hurt. I suspect the ramifications of the accident in the average person's life would be much greater.
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As a Giants fan who follows the team as often as possible, I wonder if Jason Pierre-Paul may be suffering from more than just his July 4th mishap.
Three or four seasons ago, Pierre-Paul served opposing teams like a battering ram. Since then, his powers have steadily declined. Is it fatigue? Apathy? A combination of both? Something else?
Whatever may be ailing Pierre-Paul at large, I hope a caring colleague may be able to put a finger on it, and help.
Meanwhile, the Giants front office should fine the heck out of this multi-million-dollar infantile athlete for playing with fireworks.
Three or four seasons ago, Pierre-Paul served opposing teams like a battering ram. Since then, his powers have steadily declined. Is it fatigue? Apathy? A combination of both? Something else?
Whatever may be ailing Pierre-Paul at large, I hope a caring colleague may be able to put a finger on it, and help.
Meanwhile, the Giants front office should fine the heck out of this multi-million-dollar infantile athlete for playing with fireworks.
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I don't feel sorry for Jason Pierre Paul - he was stupid to put himself in a situation where fireworks blew off his fingers. Grown men don't run around playing with fireworks. You always hear about these weird stores happening around July 4th weekend. Didn't some dude in Boston let off a firework on his head then dropped dead?
Usually athletes have contracts w/teams or endorsement contracts where certain activity is not permitted, just like morals clause. If I was playing on the ATP tour, I wouldn't go skiing until my professional days were over
JPP didn't make a smart choice and is paying the consequences, that said, I feel bad for him. Hope the Giants can sort this out as they're now in a bad position because this dude was running around playing with fireworks.
Usually athletes have contracts w/teams or endorsement contracts where certain activity is not permitted, just like morals clause. If I was playing on the ATP tour, I wouldn't go skiing until my professional days were over
JPP didn't make a smart choice and is paying the consequences, that said, I feel bad for him. Hope the Giants can sort this out as they're now in a bad position because this dude was running around playing with fireworks.
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If he lost a finger and damaged his hand i would think the probability of him playing this season, especially at the NFL level is almost zero.
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So sad. Fireworks are dangerous and should be handled by professionals. Every year there are stories about injuries and deaths due to misuse (firing one off one's head?!) but people think that they are safe. I can't blame Pierre-Paul for not communicating and I don't blame the Giants for not signing the contract and writing the check. Hope this is a learning moment at all levels.
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This is ridiculous. I admit that I'm not a football fan, but that's hardly necessary to see that Pierre-Paul is playing a game he doesn't deserve to win. Be a man, admit your injuries and your prognosis, and take what comes your way as a result.
And, maybe he'll be a reminder to other guys out there to stay away from fireworks. How stupid can you be?
And, maybe he'll be a reminder to other guys out there to stay away from fireworks. How stupid can you be?
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I don't know what to think about JP-P's situation here except what everyone else has been saying... not much. There's one thing I do know however as a lifelong Giants fan: we NEED Jason Pierre-Paul, badly! The Giants haven't shown much in th way of Defense in recent seasons and I think that's mostly due to weaknesses at linebacker, in and out. The fact that one hasn't been able to name one Giants' linebacker at a second's notice was unthinkable until recent years. So, until we do bolster up the linebacker slots, please, please work this thing out with JP-P; we need him. Even at 99%.
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Hand injuries take a long time to recover from. He might have tendon injuries on the other fingers, nerve damage and when his hand heals, he might have sensation issues where he cannot feel things in parts of his hand. Judging from the size of his bandaging his hand will be weakened for a long time.
Let him become a free agent and let Jerry Jones waste time and money on what will probably be a bust. Focus on building a great team without him....there are always terrific players willing to step up if they are allowed to play and build experience. When will team owners and managers stop throwing money at yester-year's talent?
Pierre-Paul needs to be a professional and get in contact with his employer, the New York Giants. They have a right to know his status, learn the severity of his injuries via examination by their doctors, and make decisions that benefit the team, not just one player.
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Even without the missing finger, I would think any team having to pay 15 million for a one year contract, has a reasonable expectation to examine the player and assess how much in this case, the missing finger will affect his play. JPP is obviously one of the greatest talents in the NFL but nowhere near one of the top players. He's inconsistent, can disappear for long stretches, has never been a great run stopper and hasn't improved in his career. I'm a Giants' fan, but dubious about JPP and by not showing up, especially given the problem, he's going to make a return harder on himself and the team. I think I'd rather spend the money somewhere else on someone who gets the most out of his talent. The great ones go full out on every play. J.J. Watt, also a great talent, also plays every down hard. That's what makes him live up to his potential and the game of football demands that sort of effort as it's unrelentingly difficult.
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Interestingly, this is a perfect scenario to test the (perhaps well-deserved) Giants' reputation for being a top-flight organization. It's a legitimately complicated and sad scenario; let's see if the organization can orchestrate a humane and fair-for-all-sides resolution. (By contrast, could you imagine Snyder's Redskins or the Raiders managing this?)
I know nothing about football, so lemme ask: is it possible to play defensive end with nine fingers?
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The question is more likely about the usefulness of the rest of his hand or even part or all of his arm. It's a good guess that this is not like a buzz saw injury where the finger was neatly whacked off with relatively little impact on the rest of his body.
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Mr. Pierre-Jones has quite literally hoisted himself by his own petard and now is trying to manipulate the process, already in his favor by hiding the extent of his self induced injury to protect his payday.
If you're a professional athlete, especially one who's hands are essential to your performance and you're stupid enough to get within 100 feet of fireworks, you deserve the consequences of your stupidity.
Although I'm not a sports medicine expert, I suspect after having a finger amputated, and the other "unspecified" injury which will surely involve nerve damage he's out for this season.
The answer for the Giants seems clear. Give Mr. Pierre-Paul 72 hours to present himself for a medical evaluation by Giants medical staff who can assess when or if he will ever be able to play at the level he did before his "accident". If he refuses, bye bye, and best of luck signing with another team.
Let's just hope he had the sense to insure those hands with some of the 10's of millions he's made in his career.
If you're a professional athlete, especially one who's hands are essential to your performance and you're stupid enough to get within 100 feet of fireworks, you deserve the consequences of your stupidity.
Although I'm not a sports medicine expert, I suspect after having a finger amputated, and the other "unspecified" injury which will surely involve nerve damage he's out for this season.
The answer for the Giants seems clear. Give Mr. Pierre-Paul 72 hours to present himself for a medical evaluation by Giants medical staff who can assess when or if he will ever be able to play at the level he did before his "accident". If he refuses, bye bye, and best of luck signing with another team.
Let's just hope he had the sense to insure those hands with some of the 10's of millions he's made in his career.
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He is certainly wrong not to communicate at all with the Giants. That tells me he just wants to leave. Prove me wrong, JPP- our team needs you.
There are accidents and THERE ARE ACCIDENTS! To quote the modern philosopher Forrest Gump - "Stupid is as stupid does".
Explosives...fun in the movies, fun to tinker with when you are a kid, not so fun when you don't treat them with the respect they demand. Sounds like this guy is lucky he still has eyeballs to see with.
JPP is not under contract, yet he is covered by the franchise tag. From my limited knowledge, if he were under contract it could be at least partially voided because he intentionally engaged in a proscribed, dangerous activity.
Years ago, a member of the Cleveland Browns' went helicopter skiing in the back country. The front office and coaches were miffed because skiing was an explicitly and implicitly prohibited in the contract under some sort of "dangerous activities" clause.
Obviously the CBA comes into play. But it seems to me that more times than not management treats the players who do dumb things (like felonies) with kidd gloves to keep from alienating other members of the team, or having a future chilling effect on free agent signings.
The Giants should cut him outright and remove the franchise tag. Thus playing with a hand on the ground, with all the grabbing, shedding blocks, doing swim moves, etc, grasping at jerseys and around players for tackles, Mr. Pierre-Paul will be handicapped playing pro football without an index finger.
Let someone else sign him. It will be next year until he is ready. And the chances of him being the same player are slim.
He who plays professional sports may not mess with M-80 or equivalent. Come to think of it, Mom was right. None of us should be messing with an M-80. But we were just adolescents trying to sublimate puberty with explosions, not a grown man making millions.
Years ago, a member of the Cleveland Browns' went helicopter skiing in the back country. The front office and coaches were miffed because skiing was an explicitly and implicitly prohibited in the contract under some sort of "dangerous activities" clause.
Obviously the CBA comes into play. But it seems to me that more times than not management treats the players who do dumb things (like felonies) with kidd gloves to keep from alienating other members of the team, or having a future chilling effect on free agent signings.
The Giants should cut him outright and remove the franchise tag. Thus playing with a hand on the ground, with all the grabbing, shedding blocks, doing swim moves, etc, grasping at jerseys and around players for tackles, Mr. Pierre-Paul will be handicapped playing pro football without an index finger.
Let someone else sign him. It will be next year until he is ready. And the chances of him being the same player are slim.
He who plays professional sports may not mess with M-80 or equivalent. Come to think of it, Mom was right. None of us should be messing with an M-80. But we were just adolescents trying to sublimate puberty with explosions, not a grown man making millions.
I think Jason Pierre-Paul is an amazing football player and i like this article because i like football. I played football in grade school but my parents won't let me play in high school. I love watching football but my favorite team is the Chargers because Phillip Rivers is my favorite quarterback.
If I'm an employer, in any field of endeavor, and one of my employees is stupid enough to blow off their finger playing with fireworks, I sever ties with that employee, just like the explosion severed their finger. I want people who operate rationally. There are no "accidents" when using fireworks. You EXPECT an explosion when dealing with explosives. Pierre-Paul got one, so no "accident" at all.
Drop him from the team!
Looks like he is done with the Giants.
I feel badly for this man who blew his hand apart, but when it is your job to be and keep fit, where was his thinking? Rory McIlroy is no better, don't they have any brains?
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This "Primadona" behavior could have a boomerang consequence for Pierre-Paul. He wants a $multi-million multi-year contract first before he can reveal the extent of his injuries to his employer....We should all be so lucky.
July 4th (the day this happened) is my least favorite day of the year. Too many unstructured hours in that day to get into depression/boredom, mischief, or to not pay attention to what you are doing. I am so sorry for Pierre Paul. If I could go back in time and had his cell number I'd call him first thing that morning and warn him. Wishing him the very best recovery possible.
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If you only have one call to make on that make believe phone of yours I would rather you call george bush sometimes before the invasion of Iraq and warn him.
One call would have prevented only a lost finger or two. Fingers are lost every day. Call george instead.
One call would have prevented only a lost finger or two. Fingers are lost every day. Call george instead.
It's going to be a long recovery for this young man. I've had a bad hand injury, and post surgery I wasn't allowed to work out for months, and I was able to keep my finger. If anyone thinks he will make it back any time soon there's no chance In that. Maybe. Maybe he will get function back in that hand by October. Good luck
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"wait until he is healthy enough to play"
With no training camp, and a hand which will be less than it was before July 4. Healthy enough to play touch football (even at that, Mr. Pierre-Paul would be less effective) does not equal football shape.
He won't get a dime, no matter what, until he is capable of performing as a starting NFL player again. That's for him to show, and he can't do it skulking in his lair.
With no training camp, and a hand which will be less than it was before July 4. Healthy enough to play touch football (even at that, Mr. Pierre-Paul would be less effective) does not equal football shape.
He won't get a dime, no matter what, until he is capable of performing as a starting NFL player again. That's for him to show, and he can't do it skulking in his lair.
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This article interested me because this shows your coaches how responsible you are and how they can trust you and rely on you. For us young men who love the game of football we look up to these players and we have to learn from them not just for the good, but also for the bad so we don't make those same mistakes.
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