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New York Giants Dump Plaxico Burress: It is hard to believe that a wide receiver as talented as Plaxico Burress, can find himself jobless unless he follows in Terrell Owens’ footsteps, of course. On Friday, the New York Giants released Super Bowl champion, Plaxico Burress, as the NFL world watched in shock. The move came a little more than four months after the talented but troubled receiver accidentally shot himself in the leg while hanging out at a New York City nightclub.
Burress’ stay with the Giants ends with the most vivid memories being a game-winning touchdown catch in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, and an unhealthy doze of fines, suspension, and terrible decision-making. Burress' status with the team has been a huge question mark ever since the shooting incident on November 29, 2008. Burress accidentally shot himself in the thigh with an unlicensed gun he'd stuffed into his waistband to attend an NYC nightclub. He’s currently facing a felony weapons charge and with NYC’s rigorous gun control laws, the receiver could be put away in prison for at least 3½ years if convicted. This past Tuesday, Burress’ case was adjourned, as his attorneys and the state work on a possible plea agreement. The 31-year-old, Burress is due back in court on June 15, 2009. The delay in ending the court case this week appeared to play a role in the Giants' decision: "I am an optimist, and I believe most situations can be worked out," general manager Jerry Reese said in announcing the decision. "We hung in there as long as we could in hopes that there could be a resolution to this situation other than the decision we made today to release Plaxico. "It wasn't to be, so now we have to move on. Like everybody else here, we want nothing but the best for Plaxico, and we are appreciative of the contributions he made to this franchise," Reese concluded. "My own view as a lawyer and a Giants' fan is that the team made a huge mistake," Burress' attorney Benjamin Brafman said. "He is a good man, a good football player and I only hope that with the benefit of hindsight the Giants don't ultimately regret this decision."
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