Giants coach says Jason Pierre-Paul hasn't responded to his texts since he lost a finger in a fireworks accident
Ron Antonelli/Getty Images
Coughlin says he first heard about the incident Sunday afternoon July 5, one day after the accident occurred, and texted Pierre-Paul, "How can I help you?"
Three and-a-half weeks later, Pierre-Paul still hasn't responded, he told Vrentas.
"I want to help. I want to be there for him," Coughlin said. "But he's decided that he doesn't want our help. He thinks that something will come of it. But, all I care about, all any of us care about, the whole organization, is the well-being of the kid."
Pierre-Paul initially injured his hand July 4 in a fireworks-related accident. In addition to having to get his right index finger amputated, he also suffered a fractured thumb. Despite the severity of Pierre-Paul's injuries, they aren't believed to be career-threatening and he is expected to play at some point this season.
Two Giants officials - team trainer Ronnie Barnes and special assistant Jessie Armstead - attempted to meet with Pierre-Paul while he was in the hospital. The former first round pick, however, refused to see them. This still irks Coughlin, and has led the Giants head coach to believe Pierre-Paul and his camp may be attempting to hide something from the team.
"I don't know what he thought he was going to accomplish by not allowing them to be there to assist, to help, whatever needed to be done," Coughlin said. "I thought that was a really poor move by them. By his people. I don't know what they think they are hiding. It only makes us, me personally, think the worst."
Joe Robbins/Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
Giants owner John Mara described the fact that the team has yet to establish any communication and meet with Pierre-Paul as "very disappointing" when speaking with New York Post's Steve Serby and Paul Schwartz, and questioned the advice Pierre-Paul is getting from his inner circle.
"I don't think JPP is receiving very good advice right now," Mara said. "He has told people that he's fine and he's going to be ready to play, but until we see the hand, we're just not sure."
The Giants open training camp this Friday. Pierre-Paul, who technically is still not under contract with the team as a result of his refusal to sign his franchise tag, is not expected to attend. He reportedly won't sign his $14.8 million tender until he knows he can pass the team's physical, and be medically cleared to play, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.
If Pierre-Paul were to sign the one-year contract, and then fail his physical, the Giants would have the option to put him on the non-football injury list - forcing the defensive end to sit out at least the first six games of the season. Teams can elect not to pay players who are on the non-football injury list.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market