When fireworks go wrong. Not the news you want to hear if you're the New York Giants.
Their stud defensive end, Jason Pierre-Paul, might have gotten a little too carried away on Saturday, July 4, because he badly injured his hand setting off fireworks in celebration of the national holiday. And it seems to have cost him a long-term contract extension with the Giants.
According to ESPN, Pierre-Paul suffered severe burns on his palm and tips of three fingers—one of them even being tested for nerve damage—and had to be hospitalized due to the fireworks. That just goes to show—and reinforce—that the annual warning for fireworks safety should be taken seriously.
Pierre-Paul, 26, didn't suffer any permanent damage that can threaten his career long-term, however, the injuries have already affected his immediate future with the Giants. With the organization having slapped its franchise tag on the Pro Bowler, he hadn't signed his $14.8 million offer and isn't under contract. Prior to this past weekend's incident, the Giants were set to offer Pierre-Paul a long-term $60 million deal, but the franchise reportedly pulled it upon learning of his injuries.
If this injury is worse than believed and reported, it could result in Big Blue possibly releasing Pierre-Paul, before he becomes a free agent again next year. Wow. Imagine that...all for fireworks? Got to be smarter!
What a shame that scenario would be, especially considering Pierre-Paul is coming off a Pro Bowl 2014 season, in which he recorded 12.5 sacks and forced three fumbles, playing in all 16 games. Let's see how this pans out.
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