WATCH: Jason Pierre-Paul talks re-joining the #Giants in first interview back https://t.co/BS0T87qNc0
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 30, 2015
Last July 4, Jason Pierre-Paul set in course a chain of actions that led to today. For the first time since seriously injuring his hand in a fireworks accident, the nine-fingered defensive end spoke to the media. Pierre-Paul began as you would expect; appreciative for his second chance.
"I want to thank my family, my friends and the #Giants for supporting me." - JPP pic.twitter.com/qpZAVa326P
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 30, 2015
And then things immediately took a turn for the strange.
JPP on fireworks: "It wasn't frightening at all. Something I do every year for the kids. ... Six, seven years now."
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 30, 2015
Pierre-Paul explained a little about why he had the fireworks in the first place, but to declare it "not frightening" is a little weird, though he did later go on to mention that he would be celebrating Independence Day in a different manner next year.
Following this, the defensive end was questioned about his availability blackout -- a policy that extended not only to the media but to Giants' personnel as well.
JPP doesn't really answer when asked about not seeing Ronnie Barnes in hospital. #Giants
— James Kratch (@JamesKratch) October 30, 2015
It makes sense that Pierre-Paul would play it safe when answering questions for the first time since his accident. This was a highly personal and traumatic accident, and emotions ran high during the ordeal. He was wise to play things down and remain positive.
Said he didn't kow who was making hte decisions regarding who could and couldn't see him.
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) October 30, 2015
JPP on the deicsions in thise first hours: "You can't do nothing when you're under anesthesia."
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) October 30, 201
"The #Giants did a great job handling this situation." - JPP
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 30, 2015
And then it appeared he slipped up. Well, sort of. Passing on a question isn't necessarily a mistake. He may have been advised by his agent and/or the team to not talk about this aspect of the process, though it's clear that this is the main angle for the story of Pierre-Paul's return. This is what the media want to know, and until he answers it, reporters will push him during their media availability periods.
In the meantime, he's going to focus on the now, and that means getting back to football. What will that look like?
JPP: you'll have to wait and see if he can play with right hand on ground. #Giants
— James Kratch (@JamesKratch) October 30, 2015
JPP: Of course glove is customized, I lost a finger. #Giants
— James Kratch (@JamesKratch) October 30, 2015
Lastly, a word for his fans. There have been critics and die-hard Giants supporters, both sharing mixed opinions on the actions of the 26 year old franchise player. To the vast spectrum of fans out there, Pierre-Paul has just one message.
JPP's message for fans: "Get ready for me." #Giants
— James Kratch (@JamesKratch) October 30, 2015