Friday, July 31, 2015

Giants' John Mara on JPP: 'I don't know how many fingers he has': Report

The New York Giants' patience is wearing thin because of the lack of communication from Jason Pierre-Paul, regarding the injuries he suffered during a Fourth of July fireworks accident, as the first day of training camp opened Thursday.

And since the team has not been allowed to examine Pierre-Paul's injuries to his right hand, as he recovers in South Florida, team president John Mara admitted the only information the Giants have received has come through media reports.


"We don't know how extensive the damage is, that's the problem," Mara said. "I don't know how many fingers he has."

The silence means Mara still has no idea when, and if, Pierre-Paul will show up.

"I think we have to plan on moving ahead without him at this point," Mara said. "Until we see him and make some sort of determination as to what condition he is in, I don't see how we can count on him. Certainly not for the opening of the season."

But not everyone is as forgiving.

"It's hard to believe that he couldn't get here and take care of an awful lot of issues rather than what they're doing," coach Tom Coughlin said, adding that his texts to Pierre-Paul have gone unanswered. 

"Hey, we're all concerned about the young man first and foremost. But it's difficult to extend this concern when we feel like he should be here."



As for JPP's franchise tag and contract, Mara said everything is off the table until the Giants' medical staff can examine Pierre-Paul. Mara did say that he would be open to negotiating the terms of the franchise tag, including the non-football injury option the Giants have that could reduce Pierre-Paul's salary.

"We'd be open to discussing anything," Mara said. "But we first need to see him."

Mara reiterated comments from earlier in the week, when he said Pierre-Paul is receiving poor advice from his management team. He again said Pierre-Paul would be better served availing himself of the medical experts at the Giants' disposal.

"I'm disappointed that he's not here," Mara said. "I think this would be the best place for him to be for a number of different reasons . . . I think it would be in his own best interest to be here. I don't think he's receiving the best advice in the world. That's sad as far as I'm concerned."

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