Pierre-Paul sues ESPN, Schefter for leaking medical records
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has sued ESPN and reporter Adam Schefter over a July tweet that contained Pierre-Paul’s classified medical records.
The lawsuit was first reported by the New York Post, and the full document was released by Deadspin. Pierre-Paul, 27, is alleging violations of both his privacy and Florida’s medical records statute, which states that medical records can remain only between a patient and those involved in their care. The majority of the lawsuit focuses on the hospital’s shortcomings.
The suit says Schefter “improperly obtained” Pierre-Paul’s medical chart, revealing the amputation of his right index finger following a July 4 fireworks accident in the Miami area, and released it out of a “selfish desire to ‘break news.’” Schefter had approximately 4 million Twitter followers at the time and is known for breaking major NFL news.
Last July, Schefter told SI's Richard Deitsch that he “could and should have done more” in regards to the medical records, comments which are listed in the suit. Two employees at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital were fired over the leak.
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After joining the Giants midseason, Pierre-Paul finished last season with 30 combined tackles, five assists and 4.5 sacks in eight games.
