Monday, July 05, 2010

Giants Show Class With Injured Rookie

In April, the New York Giants selected a safety named Chad Jones in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Jones, out of LSU, signed a four-year contract in June, a few days before being injured in a horrific car accident.

As a result of his injuries, Jones' left leg was in peril, but it appears doctors were able to save it.

This initial surgery may have saved the leg, but Jones has quite the mountain to climb to recover from his injuries. His family is unsure if he will ever get to play football again, and they really aren't worried about that. Instead, they're focused on getting him well and helping him through the surgeries and recovery he has remaining.

Even though Jones has never played a game for the Giants (and he may never get the chance), the team has made the right choice in handling his medical situation.

The Times-Picayune of New Orleans reports the organization is taking medical responsibility for Jones.

"Nobody has said whether Chad will play again or not," Al Jones, Chad's father, said from New York, where Chad was transported Tuesday for treatment at the Hospital for Special Surgery, an orthopedic specialty facility. "We're not even asking that question right now.

"Things are going well. They have shown that they are taking good care of Chad while they're doing what they need to do to make sure their investment is protected."

Obviously, the Giants know they have an investment to protect, because they could have cut the cord over a non-football injury like this. Doing so would have meant a minimal expense to the organization, but would have subjected them to outcries about how they weren't doing the right thing.

While they could still settle on his contract and release Jones, the organization should be applauded for committing to take care of Jones' medical expenses, which will be out of this world.

It also means Jones will get the best medical care money can buy, something that should help him feel more secure about his future, whether that be as a football player, baseball player (he's accomplished in that sport, too), or as just a guy trying to lead a "normal life."

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