NEW YORK — The Giants are aware of an incident involving Jason Pierre-Paul and fireworks, but the team is unsure about the severity of any injuries to the star defensive end, a person with knowledge of the incident tells The Associated Press on Monday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no information has been released publicly.
The Giants have pulled their $60 million long-term contract offer to Pierre-Paul after a July 4 fireworks accident in South Florida injured the pass rusher’s hands, according to an NFL Media report.
Pierre-Paul does not have a contract offer for next season and has yet to sign his $14.8-million franchise tender offer. The franchise tender is a guaranteed deal for the 2015-16 season, if Pierre-Paul signs it. He has until the July 15 deadline to negotiate a long-term deal with the Giants, which now appears unlikely.
The team said in a statement that its first concern is for Pierre-Paul’s well-being.
Pierre-Paul mentioned fireworks in a video posted to Instagram on Saturday, taken as he held a baby in a street near a parked rental van.
“Talk about fireworks on the ground,” Pierre-Paul said.
Selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, Pierre-Paul didn’t start any games his rookie season. He had a breakout year in 2011, posting a career-high 16 1/2 sacks and playing a key role in helping the Giants beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
The 26-year-old Pierre-Paul has 42 career sacks, including 12 1/2 last season.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.