Twenty-four hours later and Plaxico Burress is still dumb. Yesterday, we learned that he accidentally shot himself in the leg on Friday at a Manhattan nightclub. And while that's almost impossible to fathom -- billions of people manage to make it through life without ever putting a bullet into their thigh -- the details of exactly how it happened are, well, stupefying.
The New York Daily News reports that Burress, "who was sporting flashy jewelry and carrying loads of cash," was initially turned away from the LQ nightclub because he was packing heat, but explained that he needed the weapon for protection. Presumably because he was sporting flashy jewelry and carrying loads of cash.
[UPDATE: The Star-Ledger reports that Burress will surrender to authorities as soon as tomorrow. Hooray, U.S. justice system.]
And from there it just got worse:
The mercurial Giant was waved inside the crowded Latin-themed club on Lexington Ave. about midnight. He downed several drinks, making already jittery security guards more nervous about his weapon.Oh, and did I mention that linebacker Antonio Pierce was with Burress when he fired a bullet into his leg? And after ripping the Giants wideout for carrying a gun, he tried to hide the weapon somewhere in New Jersey.
As Burress was being led into a VIP area, with a drink in his hand, the gun slipped down his pants leg. He reached for the weapon, but fumbled it and it went off, sources said. The bullet tore through Burress' already injured right thigh, police said.
So, to recap: Burress could face felony charges for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and Pierce now also has own legal troubles:
Burress is expected to be arrested on felony weapons charges in the coming days, while Pierce's attorney was in frantic discussions with cops last night to stave off criminal charges, police sources said.The Giants are 10-1 and have a huge division game against the Redskins today. Pierce will play while Burress, obviously, will not. In fact, his career in New York is probably over. And it only cost the organization $11 million for 13 weeks of mediocre football.
The Plaxico Burress Saga
David Tyree had the highlight reel catch of Super Bowl XLII, but Plaxico Burress had the game-winner. Eli Manning found Burress in the end zone for the championship-clinching catch - easily Burress' greatest moment as a pro. Click through to see how things have gone wrong since then.
Jim McIsaac, Getty Images
Unhappy with his contract situation, Burress skipped the Giants' mandatory summer mini-camp and then sat out much of the preseason with an ankle injury. Finally, shortly before the start of the regular season, the Giants agreed to a five-year, $35-million contract extension with the disgruntled receiver.
Evan Pinkus, Getty Images
No mandatory mini-camp, no preseason, no problem. In New York's Week 1 win over Washington, Plaxico made 10 catches for 133 yards.
Seth Wenig, AP
In a stunning Week 6 Monday night loss to Cleveland, Burress scored a touchdown but was otherwise shut down - part of a subpar season that has seen Burress fail to top 100 yards in any game other than the opener.
Diamond Images / Getty Images
Burress had a bit of a meltdown in the Giants' Oct. 19 win over San Francisco. The NFL fined Burress $45,000 for his actions in that game, when he verbally abused an official and threw a ball into the stands. That came just two weeks after the Giants suspended Burress for their Oct. 5 game for missing a team meeting.
Evan Pinkus, Getty Images
Two weeks ago, in an easy New York win over Baltimore, Burress tweaked his hamstring. It was that injury that was going to sideline him against Washington in Week 13 anyway.
Kathy Willens, AP
The latest Burress moment: Reportedly out at a club on Friday night, just hours after news broke that he would be inactive on Sunday because of his hamstring injury, Burress suffered a gunshot wound to his leg - allegedly self-inflicted and by accident.
Stephen Dunn, Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
11-30-2008 @ 10:11AM
Mitchell B. Sandlin said...
Buress is a joke of a human being. He insists on wearing his cap at a gang banger's angle when on the sideline. "He look so kool, man!"
Some people just do not get it and he is one of them. Cut him and make the contract null and void.
As for Pierce, sounds lik ehe was just stupid and trying to help the guy. He should be fined heavily and suspended for a couple of games.
The Giants should take a clear hard stand now!!
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11-30-2008 @ 10:24AM
Rockotman said...
You said it perfectly, Mitchell. I was a Plax fan when he was here in Pittsburgh, but he was not without issues here, either, and I truly believe that such issues are the reason the Steeler organization did not pursue signing him to a new contract after the 2004 season. Plax, my man, ya' done f'd up, dude.
11-30-2008 @ 4:22PM
sieben13 said...
I have tried to understand and side with these modern day athletics,but I can no longer side with them in situations like this,they are counter productive to the sport,NO athletic is larger than the sport it self. Owners should no longer put up with this BS and let them go on with what they consider their lifes calling ,What VALID reason would you have going to the club carrying a weapon, Large amount of (SHOW OFF CASH) this is insane ,if you are foolish enough to do this then hire a body guard, this what they do (BODY GUARD),
11-30-2008 @ 7:09PM
Bill said...
I totally agree. However I'd like to know, as a pistol instructor, whether it was a revolver or a semi-automatic that was involved in the incident. It's virtually IMPOSSIBLE to accidentally shoot yourself with a revolver because of the mechanics of the gun. To shoot yourself accidentally with a semi-auto you have to have "one in the chamber" and have it cocked. No one in they're right mind carries a semi- auto in this condition IN THEY'RE POCKET. He had to be either intoxicated or really, really, really stupid.
11-30-2008 @ 11:08PM
D-Bo said...
I like how out of every moronic thing he's done, you seem most incensed about how he wears a hat. You are joke of a human being.
11-30-2008 @ 10:33AM
Don said...
It is sad that people who have recieved God given talents that enable them to have good lives, make tons of money, help others, etc. weren't also given enough common sense and humility to appreciate it. These sad events will continue until professional sports teams stop hiring low life borderline criminals and take severe action against ANYONE who does not represent the organization honorably. Contracts need to reflect what is expected of players.
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11-30-2008 @ 10:25AM
Chris said...
Not sure what really happened, Fox News is reporting a totally different story.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8866348/Giants%27-Burress-accidentally-shoots-self-in-leg
"The Post also said that Burress, 31, was allegedly trying to enter the club with teammate Antonio Pierce when they were stopped by security guards.
Burress, who caught the game-winning touchdown against the Patriots in January, admitted to the guards that he was carrying a gun. He then allegedly went over to a secluded area with a guard and took the gun out, the Post said.
Burress apparently started trying to unload the gun and bobbled it. An accidental shot went off and went through his leg.
Security tried to call an ambulance, but Burress said no. He took himself to Cornell Medical Center, where he was released at 2 p.m. Saturday after being treated, according to the Post."
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11-30-2008 @ 10:30AM
Chris said...
Although admittedly that info from Fox and the New York Post could be the club and Burress trying to cover themselves, lol.
I don't know.
One story sounds a bit too out there, and the other seems a little too convenient.
11-30-2008 @ 10:25AM
David said...
Plax is in need of serious psychological help. His narcisistic ways and disdain for authority are more than just a nuisance, they are a sign of an unstable mind. He should suffer the consequences of his action according to the law and also have mandatory psych evaluations and help at his expense. If he does not it should void that contract and be banned from the NFL.
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11-30-2008 @ 5:25PM
tre119 said...
If Burress should get banned from the NFL then so should Vick...but gee he's already talking to Goodell which crime is more serious??? I would say the animal killers.
11-30-2008 @ 10:27AM
Danno said...
New Movie "Dumb And Dumber X2"
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11-30-2008 @ 10:31AM
Sheck said...
Sounds to me like dumb ass Plaxico needs a gun class.. Its real hard to shoot you self in the leg with your own gun. The only way to curb this is to ban him for a year and maybe thie block hards will understand. Money does not mean anything to them.They have to much. Look at the poster boy for dumbass's and the name Pac-man comes up.. Why are we even waisting time on these shallow people.. I am sure Fox will have all the info at 12:00 noon today..Go Buc's
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11-30-2008 @ 10:45AM
Mike said...
I heard he was in the shotgun formation.
Just goes to show, you can take the boy out of the moron, but you can't take the moron out of the boy.
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12-01-2008 @ 2:57PM
Joe Erasmus said...
I like that one mike it made me laugh my as@ off good one.
11-30-2008 @ 4:57PM
volvoist said...
MOST OF THESE 'ATHLETES' HAVE NEVER LED A NORMAL LIFE; THEY'VE PLAYED FOOTBALL OR BASKETBALL OR WHATEVER SINCE THEY WERE KIDS AND WHEN THEY GET TO THE 'BIG SHOW' THEY AREN'T THE LEAST BIT GROUNDED AND FEEL THAT THEY ARE SPECIAL. AND THEY AREN'T. A SALK WAS SPECIAL!
11-30-2008 @ 11:13AM
redskinsfan said...
Either way it happend still a dumb ass. Suppose to be to injured to play sounds like he went out to play. What has the great commish have to say about the latest high paid fool.
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11-30-2008 @ 11:15AM
Tony said...
Another senseless act by a moran sport figure. Where else can you make millions of dollars and be stupid?
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11-30-2008 @ 11:16AM
Cheddar Bob said...
My name is...my name is....my name is...CHEDDAR BOB!!! Go Cheddar get stupid....go cheddar...it's your birthday.....My name is Cheddar....they call me Cheddar Bob. I'm related to Burress.....we have similar interestes...we pack heat and shoot ourselves...we are well known for this...this is what god put us on earth for. Cheddar Bob
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11-30-2008 @ 11:23AM
peter said...
It's a shame the gun was not pointing at his head.
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11-30-2008 @ 12:14PM
wilder2002mtw@aol.com said...
STEP IN NFL! THIS GOES BEYOND TEAM CONDUCT! The guy was supposed to be injured and goes clubbing? With a concealed weapon? Shoots himself? Man, I was wondering about Marbury/Knicks "PRO" management but this takes the cake! Well at least NY STILL has THE JETS and Farve this year! GO JETS!
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