New York Giants star Jason Pierre-Paul blew off a majority of his hand in a fireworks accident this past 4th of July. Everyone heard the rumors about the accident; there was just no proof — Until ESPN reporter Adam Schefter released medical records online.
The NFL beat reporter somehow obtained the defensive end’s records from a Florida hospital before posting this tweet:
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
Now, Pierre-Paul, 27, is suing ESPN and Schefter in Florida court for violation of his privacy.
According to The New York Post, who broke the story, part of the suit reads:
“This action arises out of ESPN reporter Schefter’s blatant disregard for the private and confidential nature of plaintiff’s medical records, all so Schefter could show the world that he had ‘supporting proof’ of a surgical procedure,” the suit says.
The suit also alleges that Schefty violated a Florida statute that states patient’s medical records cannot be given to or discussed with anybody not involved in their care. However, reporters aren’t subject to HIPAA violations, meaning the two hospital employees who leaked the records have been fired while ESPN and Schefter might walk out of this unscathed.
Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami reportedly settled a lawsuit over the matter recently, most likely a suit filed by Pierre-Paul as well.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of Crave Sports. Follow him on Twitter or like the channel on Facebook.
