The good news for Jason Pierre-Paul, of course, was that the fireworks injury he suffered over the July 4th holiday was not career-threatening.
But might the reaction to it prove to be?
Could this accident drive team and talent apart? Could the pulling of a long-term contract lead to long-term problems? Perhaps.
Pierre-Paul refused to see two emissaries from his team, the New York Giants, at a Miami hospital on Wednesday, indicating that there are lingering feelings after the Giants rescinded a long-term contract offer to him. The Giants had placed a one-year tender on Pierre-Paul for $14.8 million, a figure that left neither team nor player satisfied. The sides had talked about a long-term deal that would approach $60 million.
ESPN reported Wednesday night at Pierre-Paul had the index finger on his right hand amputated. C.J. Wilson, a cornerback with the Bucs, reportedly lost two fingers to a fireworks accident.
With it possible that Pierre-Paul, the former South Florida standout, might miss time or have his long-term effectiveness minimized, the Giants chose not to proceed with their longer contract. It has not yet been decided, however, whether it will lead to bruised feelings or a less-than-motivated player.
On Wednesday, Pierre-Paul declined to meet with trainer Ronnie Barnes or “ambassador” Jesse Armstead.
The current concern, say those close to the Giants, is that Pierre-Paul might suffer from nerve damage.
If the Giants rescind their one-year offer, Pierre-Paul becomes a free agent. However, a future team would obviously care about the health, and future, of the 26-year-old end.
