The New York Giants hope to gain some medical clarity on Jason Pierre-Paul today.
NFL Media's Kimberly Jones reports that athletic trainer Ronnie Barnes will visit JPP at a Miami hospital. A team source told Jones they believe the pass rusher "is doing OK."
Pierre-Paul suffered a hand injury over the weekend while attempting to light fireworks. He remains hospitalized.
After initial reports suggested severe damage to JPP's hand, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that, as of Sunday night, doctors were still examining for nerve damage and other issues related to the incident but the injuries weren't believed to be career-threatening.
Big Blue's medical staff should have a better idea of Pierre-Paul's condition and potential availability for the start of the regular season after meeting with him today. He could be placed on the PUP list or non-football injury list to start the season if the injury is severe enough.
Rapoport reported Monday that the Giants took a $60 million long-term deal off the table following the fireworks incident -- it was a deal JPP wasn't planning on accepting anyhow.
At this point, if doctors determine the injury isn't severe enough for him to start the season on the NFI list, the defensive end will likely play 2015 on the $14.8 million franchise tag.
From a legal standpoint, JPP could find himself in trouble for the fireworks that ultimately led to the injury.
Coral Springs (Florida) public information officer, Capt. Brad McKeone confirmed to NFL Media that his department investigated the use of illegal fireworks. However, Coral Springs PD determined the incident did not take place in their jurisdiction, so it stopped being their concern. McKeone added he does not know where the incident occurred.
Other Florida police departments could decide to pursue the case. If JPP were found to be using illegal fireworks he could be charged under Florida statute 791, per McKeone.
"We take a pretty hard stance with fireworks," McKeone told NFL Media about why his office looked into the incident.
If the department where JPP's accident did occur decides to take a similar stance, the defensive end could be in trouble under said department's jurisdiction. Especially with the potential evidence being a U-Haul van full of fireworks.
If charged with a crime, Pierre-Paul would be subject to the NFL's personal conduct policy.
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