Jason Pierre-Paul Suing Adam Schefter, ESPN for Posting His Medical Records

Jason Pierre-Paul is suing ESPN and Adam Schefter for posting his private medical records online. The New York Giants defensive end, who blew off parts of two fingers in a Fourth of July fireworks accident, filed suit Wednesday in Florida.

The suit alleges the NFL reporter improperly obtained Pierre-Paul’s medical chart and violated his privacy by tweeting it to nearly 4 million followers.

In a series of emails with Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch in July, Schefter explained why he decided to share the charts online. He said the photographic proof helped bolster his reporting of facts the Giants weren’t privy to at the time.

“In a day and age in which pictures and videos tell stories and confirm facts, in which sources and their motives are routinely questioned, and in which reporters strive to be as accurate as possible, this was the ultimate supporting proof,” Schefter wrote.

Hard case to win. HIPAA doesn't extend to media and invasion of privacy claims by public figures usually don't work. https://t.co/8JBa0nbOMH

— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) February 25, 2016

JPP would have better case against hospital over leaked medical records. A 1st Amendment defense wouldn't help hospital like it helps media.

— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) February 25, 2016

[New York Post]

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