Burress Could Face Extended Jail Time After Shooting Himself
Has wide receiver Plaxico Burress played his last game for the New York Giants and perhaps even his last in the NFL?
As has been reported by multiple outlets, Burress accidently shot himself in the leg at a Manhattan nightclub early Saturday morning. By all indications, the wound he received was relatively minor as gunshot wounds go. However, the 40 caliber hole he put in his right thigh -- with a handgun that he was allegedly carrying illegally -- may be the least of his worries at this point.
Obviously Burress could face sanctions from the league based on its policy on firearms. The bigger problem from his perspective, though, is the penalty he could face from the legal system since possession of a concealed weapon without a permit in New York City is punishable by a minimum mandatory sentence of three-and-a-half years in prison. So unless his lawyer somehow gets him off the hook or strikes a deal allowing him to plead guilty to a lesser charge, Buress could soon give Michael Vick a solid option in the Mean Machine's passing attack.
Linebacker Antonio Pierce could be in some trouble as well seeing as he allegedly stashed Burress' gun in New Jersey following the incident, which could constitute obstruction of justice, at the least. And if it can be proven that he took possession of the gun while still in New York City, wouldn't he face the same charges as Burress for possessing the thing?
Either way, this whole incident strikes of stupidity on Burress' part, especially since it has drawn other teammates into the fray. Why did Burress feel it was necessary to carry a loaded weapon with him to the club? If he felt he needed protection, why not just hire a bodyguard? It's not like he doesn't have the money. And if he were in fear for his life, why go out at all? It just doesn't make sense.
And now it's very possible that, because of his decision to carry a concealed weapon, Burress may have played in his last game as a Giant... especially if the team continues to play as well in his absence as they did in Sunday's win over the division rival Washington Redskins.
Photo: Jeff Zelevansky / Getty Images
Comments
Incredibly stupid, lock him up and throw away the key
The reason he had a gun wiht him is because fellow Wide Receiever Steve Smith was robbed at gunpoint just a week prior to this incident.
Then he should have got a license to carry the gun Joe. Regardless of his reason for carrying it, he broke the law in doing so.
Did he really think that the sweat pants were going to keep the gun secure?????? He should go ask the wizard of Oz for a brain!!!!
Did he seriously think that the big sweat pants were going to secure the loaded gun???? I think he should go see the WIzard of OZ and ask for a brain!!!