By Bryan Mongeau-Eastmond
NEW YORK(RushPRnews) 12/04/08-Ten months after making the game-winning catch in Super Bowl XLII against the New England Patriots, Plaxico Burress now sees his hands full with the law. Burress, who signed a five-year, $35 million contract extension in September, appeared in a New York court Monday charged with illegal handgun possession after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a night club last Saturday.
Burress has a license for his .40-caliber Glock in Florida, but the license is not valid in New York, where the incident occurred. If convicted, the star receiver could get 3½ to 15 years in prison. However, according to Chief Assistant District Attorney Daniel Castleman this is unlikely. “He [Burress] might be able to plea-bargain the charges down to one that doesn’t carry a jail term,” said Castleman. Burress is due back in court again March 31, unless a plea agreement is reached.
Meanwhile, Burress met with his teammates at Giants Stadium Tuesday for the first time since the shooting.   Upon his arrival, the team informed him that he would be placed on the reserve non-football injury list for conduct detrimental to the team, putting an abrupt end to his disappointing 2008 season. The decision came one day after Burress was charged.
“I had a conversation with Plaxico,” Coughlin said Wednesday. “He was very humble, he was remorseful. Obviously, it doesn’t change anything. But you have to understand that he is a part of our team. Our concern is with he and his family’s well-being.”
This statement was reiterated by Giants president, John Maraby: “our concern is for Plaxico’s health and well-being.”
This is the second time that he has been suspended by the Giants this season. Being dropped by his team could cost him as much as $27 million, the New York Daily News reported.
“When you lose a player of Plaxico’s ability, it is incumbent that everybody step up and fill the void,” said head coach Tom Coughlin. At 11-1, the reigning Super Bowl champs have shown their ability to adapt without their offensive playmaker.
Once again, teammate Antonio Pierce did not comment about his role in the shooting. Coughlin said there currently is no need to consider any type of punishment for Pierce, the heart and soul of the Giants defense. He is expected to play in Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ahmad Bradshaw, the third Giant present at the club during the night of the shooting has been “advised that he is not suspected of any wrongdoing and is to be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation of the incident involving Mr. Burress,” said Charles A. Stacy, Bradshaw’s attorney.
Police will also investigate those who treated Burress’s injuries at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. No one reported the shooting, as required by law.
According to the Associated Press, Dr. Josyann Abisaab was suspended for failing to alert police. She apparently arrived at the hospital at 2 a.m. to treat him, but it’s not clear why she was called. The doctor could also face misdemeanor charges, sources said.
On the football field, it’s rare to come across a more productive player than number 17, who led his team in receptions last season. Outside of the gridiron is another story for the troubled receiver, who has been in and out of trouble throughout his career, but nothing of this magnitude.
