Coral Springs declines to charge Jason Pierre-Paul in fireworks mishap
Police in Coral Springs, Fla., will not pursue criminal charges against New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul after he injured his hand in a fireworks accident, but he could still be charged in another jurisdiction.
Coral Springs police told J.P. Pelzman of the Bergen Record that they will not charge Pierre-Paul because they have determined that the incident did not occur in their jurisdiction.
A police spokesman told NJ.com earlier Tuesday that the department was investigating whether the incident occurred at a home owned by a member of Pierre-Paul's family and determining whether to pursue criminal charges.
Another jurisdiction could still choose to bring charges because fireworks are illegal in Florida, save for a narrow list of exceptions.
Fireworks are legal to possess in Florida if they are used for agricultural purposes, such as scaring birds away from crops and fish hatcheries. People purchasing fireworks must sign a waiver stating that they are using them for that purpose. Any other use is against the law. If Pierre-Paul is charged with a crime, he would be subject to the NFL's disciplinary process, ESPN's Adam Schefterpoints out.
Pierre-Paul sustained injuries to both hands, Schefter reported Monday, “one significant, the other not as significant.” The injuries are not believed to be career-threatening, though he could miss training camp or possibly the start of the regular season, Schefter added. Pierre-Paul remained hospitalized as of Tuesday morning, according to NJ.com.
The Giants placed their franchise tag on Pierre-Paul in March, but he has yet to sign the franchise tender that would have guaranteed him $14.813 million next season. The sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal. As Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio notes, the Giants can rescind the franchise tender at any time, but that would make him an unrestricted free agent.
- Dan Gartland
