Giants’ Pierre-Paul sues ESPN, Schefter for posting records

In the suit, Pierre-Paul’s attorneys call Schefter “selfish” in sharing a photo on Twitter of JPP’s chart in order to support his report that the Giants defensive lineman had a finger amputated. Schefter’s tweet had real negative consequences: two hospital employees who leaked photos were fired, and Jackson Memorial settled a lawsuit over the matter (probably filed by Pierre-Paul, but it’s not 100% certain).

Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul made headlines when he injured his hand and lost a finger in a July 4 fireworks accident before the 2015 season.

The Post reported that a spokesman for ESPN and Schefter declined to comment.

In a July interview with SI, Schefter said he wishes he had done more to protect Pierre-Paul’s privacy.

Pierre-Paul’s suit did not specify any monetary damages. ESPN thereafter televised the image of the medical record.

According to Florida statute 456.057, patients’ medical records can’t be given to or discussed with anyone not involved in their care – something the suit alleges Schefter violated.

Sports fans have an insatiable thirst for everything revolving around the National Football League, which has buoyed the 24/7/365 information cycle and brought reporters like Schefter, Mortensen, King, and others millions of social media followers.

“In 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 wrote.

And public figures like Pierre-Paul-even the lawsuit acknowledges that “the amputation may have been of legitimate public concern”-rarely win invasion of privacy cases”.