Despite the fact that New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul’s days with his team may be running out, co-owner Steve Tisch expressed his support of JPP’s lawsuit against ESPN’s Adam Schefter, according to TMZ Sports.
“I support what he’s doing. Medical records are confidential. I mean, it’s a total invasion of the HIPAA laws. It’s total an invasion of privacy. Medical records are not to be released.”
Schefter tweeted a photo of Pierre-Paul’s medical record after the defensive end had his right index finger amputated following a 2015 Fourth of July fireworks accident. The tweet was posted just four days after the holiday.
ESPN obtained medical charts that show Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul had right index finger amputated today. pic.twitter.com/VI5cbS1uCw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 8, 2015
In JPP’s lawsuit against Schefter, he is reportedly seeking at least $15,000, per the New York Post.
“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 suit says.
Pierre-Paul is expected to test free agency on March 9 after spending six seasons in New York. Due to his extensive hand surgery and healing time, JPP was only able to participate in eight games for the Giants in 2015, managing only one sack and 26 combined tackles.
Hearkening back to Tisch’s comment, many would concur that Schefter didn’t display wise judgement or much sensitivity when he advertised JPP’s private medical information to several million Twitter followers.