When New York Giants star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul damaged his hand in a July 4th fireworks accident, a media firestorm ensued. The Pierre-Paul case and this suit involving his personal medical records may tell us where that line is for what information fans really need to know and what reporters can and should share.
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Schefter tweeted a picture of Pierre-Paul’s medical file as the Pro Bowler was in surgery to have his right index finger amputated following a Fourth of July weekend fireworks accident.
Schefter improperly obtained Plaintiff’s medical records from a hospital and then, out of a selfish desire to “break news”, electronically blasted the records to his approximately 4 million Twitter followers and made it available to anyone worldwide with Internet access.
“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. Schefter later questioned his own decision to publish the records.
Schefter, 49, who lives in NY, is a regular contributor to ESPN TV programs like “NFL Insiders”, “Monday Night Countdown” and “SportsCenter”.
In a later interview with Sports Illustrated, Schefter said he “could have and should have done even more to protect (Pierre-Paul’s) medical records”, according to the lawsuit.
The suit claims “while the player’s injury may have been “a matter of legitimate public concern” the ‘chart was not, ‘” per Marsh.
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The Giants defender ultimately appeared in eight games last season and wore a club over his injured hand. He is set to become a free agent next month.
