Michael Thomas/Getty Images, AP Photo/Paul JasienskiThis Fourth of July proved to be quite dangerous.
NFL players Jason Pierre-Paul (New York Giants) and C.J. Wilson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) ended up having to get fingers amputated following separate firework accidents over the holiday weekend. ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted, "ESPN obtained medical charts that show Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul had right index finger amputated today."
However, Giants fans need not worry. It seems as though he'll be on the road to recovery soon and won't be off the field for too long. Schefter followed with, "Medical source expects him to play this season, 'sooner than people think.'"
The 26-year-old defensive end has been in a South Florida hospital since Saturday night when he severely injured his hand in a fireworks accident, however specifics on what happened are unknown.
It was initially believed that Pierre-Paul had only suffered burns on three fingers and parts of both hands, but it was clearly worse than people thought.
However, physical injury isn't the only problem the athlete may have to deal with. FoxSports.com reported on Tuesday that several police departments in South Florida are looking into where exactly the incident occurred. because if Pierre-Paul was setting off the fireworks in their jurisdiction, he could potentially face a charge of criminal possession of fireworks.
In the state of Florida, any firework "that becomes airborne or explodes is illegal to use," according to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman, Mike Jachles.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers player lost two fingers in a fireworks accident on Saturday, according to the Lincoln Times-News, located in Wilson's home town of Lincolnton, N.C.
The Buccaneers have acknowledged they're aware of the injury but have not released any details about Wilson's condition. Wilson's agent has likewise confirmed that he's injured but declined to release any medical information.