Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul Sues ESPN, Adam Schefter For Leaked Medical Files

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has filed a lawsuit against ESPN and reporter Adam Schefter for violation of privacy after severely injuring his hand in a fireworks accident on July 4.

Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul Sues ESPN, Adam Schefter For Leaked Medical Files

The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in Miami Dade County, according to the New York Post. Pierre-Paul has not stated exactly how much money he is seeking from ESPN or Schefter.

Four days after Pierre-Paul suffered the injury, Schefter reported that JPP would have to have his right index finger amputated. Schefter broke the news on Twitter, and added a picture of Pierre-Paul’s medical records.

The defensive end’s lawyers, Mitchell Schuster and Kevin Fritz, maintain that’s where the invasion of privacy took place.

“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 lawsuit states.

The lawsuit also states that Schefter “improperly obtained” the medical chart from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where JPP was treated. Two hospital employees were fired this month after Jackson Memorial conducted an internal investigation.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated last July, Schefter admitted he “could have and should have done more” to protect JPP’s medical records.

Schefter also defended his reporting. “[I]n a day and age in which pictures and videos tell stories and confirm facts, in which sources and their motives are routinely questioned, and in which reporters strive to be as accurate as possible, this was the ultimate supporting proof,” Schefter said at the time in the SI interview.

ESPN also released a short statement at the time, which claimed that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 “does not apply to news organizations.”

Caption:EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 20: Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the New York Giants sacks Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 20, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)