Father of Buccaneers' C.J. Wilson says son lost 2 fingers in fireworks mishap

ByAdam Caplan ESPN logo
Thursday, July 9, 2015

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilsonlost two fingers in a fireworks accident last weekend, his father told a Charlotte, North Carolina, television station.

Wilson's agent, Joel Turner, declined to discuss specifics of the injury and referred all further questions about Wilson's situation to the Buccaneers, but a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder that the injury was "significant."

Curtis Wilson Sr., appearing on Charlotte's WBTV, said the fireworks did not pop out of the canister when they exploded.

"We are aware that C.J. was involved in an accident that occurred over the July 4th holiday," the team said in a statement. "It is our understanding that the injury occurred to one of his hands, and our primary concern at this moment is for his long-term health. We have been in contact with C.J. and are continuing to monitor the situation."

Wilson, 25, is the second NFL player to suffer injuries due to a fireworks accident over the Fourth of July weekend.

Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul had his right index finger amputated Wednesday after a fireworks accident in Florida last weekend.

Wilson is in the final season of his two-year deal that carries a nonguaranteed base salary of $585,000 for the 2015 season.

He appeared in two games last season and was credited with four tackles.

ESPN.com's David Newton and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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