ESPN's attorneys cite First Amendment in Pierre-Paul lawsuit

Attorneys for ESPN's Adam Schefter are citing First Amendment protections while asking a Florida judge to dismiss New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul's lawsuit against the reporter.

Pierre-Paul is suing the network and Schefter for posting his medical records, after the 27-year-old was involved in a fireworks accident that led to the amputation of his right index finger.

ESPN is requesting a Florida judge utilize a state law that fines citizens for making meritless claims.

"The First Amendment prohibits punishing truthful speech relating to matters of public concern,” ESPN attorney Deanna Shullman said in court filings obtained by the New York Post's Julia Marsh.

"It is clear that football, including a serious injury suffered by a professional football player, is a legitimate public concern," Shullman says.

Pierre-Paul stated that while the story is still newsworthy, his contention is that Schefter posted his medical records online gratuitously.

"ESPN does not explain how [Pierre-Paul’s] medical records were of legitimate public concern, as opposed to simply reporting that the injury occurred," Pierre-Paul's attorneys said in court records.

Both parties are expected at a hearing in a Miami federal court later in May.