Felony charge likely for NFL Giants’ Burress
December 1, 2008 by Tom Ferda
NEW YORK - Police are expected to file criminal charges against Plaxico Burress this morning for the incident over the 
weekend when Burress shot himself in the leg with a gun while out clubbing in New York.
The incident occurred at a nightclub called The Latin Quarter located on Lexington and 48th, just a few blocks from NFL headquarters.
According to the New York Times, police were searching for Burress on Saturday and went to his home at 4:35 pm to question him about the shooting. They were greeted by Burress’ wife Tiffany who told them, “You can’t come in. You can’t talk to my husband”.
After 37 minutes, they left and returned about 7:30 pm and again left after no one answered the door.
Since then, Burress has hired an attorney to represent him.
Felony charges are likely. In the state of New York, if a person possesses a loaded, unlicensed handgun in a place other than his residence or business, it is a felony.
The bad news for Burress is, the days of brushing celebrity and athlete criminal incidents under the rug, is long over (Google Paris Hilton and Michael Vick).
Burress does have an expired Florida concealed permit but even if it were not expired, it would not be recognized in New York.
During the NFL Network pregame shows on Sunday, ex-players explained how the league offers security contacts and information for players to hire legally-armed security guards in their home town or any time they travel on the road. This is in place in an attempt to discourage players from carrying weapons or having members of their entourage packing heat.
If the loaded weapon is proven to be Burress’ and he discharged it, even accidentally, while out for an evening of alcohol and clubbing, he deserves repercussion from this.
Burress is a professional with the monetary means and league resources to hire qualified armed security to accompany him at any time.
To set his own rules while ignoring the laws and policies while placing himself and every patron in that club in jeopardy, he has asked for a day in court, and chances are, he will get it.
Copyright © 2008 – Sports Climax
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