Last fourth of July weekend, social media was full of rumors that New York Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul had injured his fingers while lighting fireworks. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter broke the story of JPP’s exact injuries after receiving the defensive end’s medical records and posting them on Twitter.
Some felt Schefter’s decision to tweet the medical records crossed an ethical boundary. JPP apparently agreed and has filed suit against both ESPN and Schefter.
via ESPN
via NY Post:
Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is flagging ESPN and its reporter Adam Schefter for posting his private medical records online to millions of readers.
Pierre-Paul, 27, sued ESPN and Schefter in a Florida court Wednesday citing a violation of his privacy.
Schefter “improperly obtained” Pierre-Paul’s medical chart showing the defensive end had his right index finger amputated and posting the record on Twitter to nearly 4 million followers, the suit says.
“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.
JPP’s suit isn’t the multi-million dollar case you were probably expecting. He’s suing for damages in excess of $15,000. According to Florida statute 456.057, patients’ medical records can’t be given to or discussed with anyone not involved in their care. While they stipulate news of the injury constituted news, the actual chart itself does not.
