Down And Out?

By Jamie Stuart

    Is Plaxico Burress a bad guy, or just a young player who made a stupid decision?  Good question, but unfortunately, I don't think the answer matters. 

   By now you've heard the news that Burress, who just signed a 25 million dollar contract back in March, was charged with two counts of illegal weapons possession after shooting himself in the leg while at a Manhattan nightclub.  

                          The Giants acted swiftly, suspending Burress for the rest of the regular season.  The team also placed Burress on the reserve-non football injury list, meaning he won't be back for the playoffs, either.   

                   But what about next season?  Burress faces illegal weapons possession charges from the shooting, which carries a penalty of 3½ to 15 years in prison if he's convicted. Burress is due back in court again March 31, unless he reaches a plea agreement.

                   Barring a miracle, Burress' career in NY is over.   So my question is, if you were an NFL General Manager, would you sign Burress?  There's no questioning his talent.  Since joining the Giants in 2005,  he's caught 244 passes for 3,681 yards and 33 touchdowns.  
                  

                   But is he worth the risk?  He's been suspended, fined numerous times, and may or may not serve jail time.  Does he deserve a second chance?  Probably.  Would you be the GM that gives him that chance?   Another good question.

 

Comments

[Wellington Mara (from the grave)]

He's carrying around an unlicensed loaded weapon (strike one). He clearly has no idea whatsoever about how a gun works, nor does he have even the slightest inkling about how to safely possess one (strike two). The idiot accidentally discharges the gun (strike three). In public (strike four).

Thus, he should get jail time, and he should be on his knees every night thanking whoever that he didn't accidentally kill someone.

Unfortunately, the outcome will be that he cuts a deal.... He pleads guilty to some misdemeanors (or lesser felony), he serves very little time (see Paris Hilton) if any. He'll get fined, ordered to community service, suspended sentence, etc....

Plax is anything but mature. He should serve if found guilty. All the football kids in college out there would play in the pros for free if they could, and this jackass gets millions and wastes it.