Jason Pierre-Paul still has not reported to the Giants this preseason, and the team has been unable to get any information on his medical status after a Fourth of July fireworks accident. But at least now they know he has a device with Instagram capability.
Pierre-Paul, who had his right index finger amputated, expressed support for a fellow hand-handicapped individual late Monday night. The two-time Pro Bowler posted an Instagram of 5-year-old Hailey Dawson, who threw out the first pitch in Baltimore on Monday with an Orioles-themed robotic hand.
Hailey, who made the trip from Las Vegas, has Poland Syndrome, a birth defect that prevents her right hand from fully developing. The robotic hand she used Monday was created by UNLV students with a 3-D printer.
Pierre-Paul insists he will not join the Giants until he is fully healthy, a decision that has Giants owner John Mara publicly saying, "I'm beyond the point where I'm annoyed."
Hailey Dawson's first pitch to her favorite player, complete with fist bump and a hug. Watch: http://t.co/rnzvzrA6in pic.twitter.com/PQWPNGmaVP
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 18, 2015
The football paparazzi tracked Pierre-Paul down earlier this month in South Florida and found him wearing a heavy bandage on his hand. Pierre-Paul reportedly had flesh burned off in the accident.
The Giants can only hope Hailey's story gives Pierre-Paul a little inspiration to get back to what he does best: Play football. The team opens the regular season Sept. 13 in Dallas.
