New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is suing ESPN and NFL reporter Adam Schefter for sharing his medical records on Twitter from a fireworks incident last July that caused him to amputate one of his fingers.
Jason Pierre-Paul is suing ESPN and Adam Schefter
Pierre-Paul’s lawsuit says Schefter “improperly obtained” his medical chart and violated his privacy.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
According to Julia Marsh of the New York Post, the lawsuit was filed in a Florida court Wednesday and says Schefter “improperly obtained” Pierre-Paul’s medical chart, which shows the 27-year-old defensive end had his right index finger severed from his hand.
“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.
Sports Illustrated legal analyst Michael McCann notes this may be a difficult case for Pierre-Paul to win, because HIPAA protections don't extend to the media. It's difficult for public figures to claim their privacy has been violated as well.
In a July interview with SI, Schefter said he wishes he had done more to protect Pierre-Paul’s privacy.
Pierre-Paul played in eight games in 2015, recording 26 combined tackles and one sack –– a big step down from his 12.5 sacks in 2014. He’s slated to be a free agent this offseason.
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