There is a difference of opinion between Jason Pierre-Paul and the New York Giants about whether or not the pass-rusher is fit enough to play football — a rift that could cause the player to file a grievance against the team.
Pierre-Paul’s doctor has signed off on his ability to play, but the team doctors in New York have not, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. This could lead Pierre-Paul to take action against the team, especially if an independent doctor clears him to play.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network spoke with a source regarding Pierre-Paul and mentioned the distinct possibility that this could indeed be the next course of action.
Talked JPP on @NFLGameDay: Source says don’t be surprised if an independent doctor makes the final call, if team & player stay divided
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2015
Should an independent doctor clear Pierre-Paul to play, then the next step in the process would be pen to paper on the team’s still-viable franchise designation, which would pay him $870,000 per week. Per Florio, “If Pierre-Paul files a grievance (it would actually be a ‘non-injury grievance’ under the Collective Bargaining Agreement) and wins, the Giants would be forced to take him back.”
This story has been hovering on the “strange” side since news of Pierre-Paul’s 4th of July fireworks accident was announced. First, he refused to even talk to the organization, ignoring co-owner Steve Tisch’s phone calls and staying quite hermit-like.
Then, we finally got a chance to see pictures of his wrapped hand, and at that point it appeared the defensive end had lost more than just his index finger. This, of course, was proven true when pictures of his mangled hand emerged this past week.
Pierre-Paul has remained defiantly sure of himself, in spite of his missing digits. He recently declared, “I can’t think of the last time my index finger got me a sack,” on his Twitter account. To be fair, his point is correct, but he’s also missing more than just his index finger.
The Giants aren’t interested in paying Pierre-Paul $870,000 per week right now, but if things work out in his favor they might not have a choice. This story will be worth tracking the next few weeks, because if he does file a grievance and wins, the Giants will be obligated to pay him, whether they like it or not.