There's a lot of information about Plaxico Burress rumbling around Twitter this evening. As is so often the case in Twitterville, there are some shades of gray regarding how much of it is true and/or meaningful.What is true is that commissioner Roger Goodell has initiated a review of Burress' self-shooting incident under the NFL's personal conduct policy. This information came courtesy of the Twitter account of Brian McCarthy (NFLprguy) at the league office, and it came about 35 minutes or so after Burress' agent, Drew Rosenhaus (RosenhausSports), tweeted that "There are now 5 teams interested in Plaxico. I expect more teams to enter the mix over the next few weeks as well."
The question is to what extent the Goodell news impacts the Rosenhaus spin.
If we assume that Rosenhaus is telling the truth ... well, then we're all idiots. But we do know that the Jets, Buccaneers and Bears have all shown some degree of interest in the former Giants receiver, so it's possible that interest has expanded and will continue to expand beyond that threesome. But if Goodell is reviewing the incident, that means Burress could end up being suspended. And it's doubtful any team will want to sign him before they know whether and for how long that will be.
According to the league's personal conduct policy:
"Discipline may take the form of fines, suspension or banishment from the League and may include a probationary period and conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following reinstatement. The specifics of the disciplinary response will be based on the nature of the incident, the actual or threatened risk to the participant and others, any prior or additional misconduct (whether or not criminal charges were filed), and other relevant factors.So yeah. That clears it up.
Unless the case involves significant bodily harm, a first offense will generally not result in discipline until there has been a disposition of the proceeding (or until the investigation is complete in the case of employee or workplace misconduct."
But let's say, for example, Goodell suspends Burress for four games. That's not likely to dampen teams' interest in him. He's good enough that having him for 12 games would be worth it. It would certainly, however, impact the amount of money teams are interested in paying him, which is why it's in Rosenhaus' best interest to drum up the appearance of multiple-team interest, whether it exists or not.
Bottom line, it's hard to imagine anybody signing Burress until Goodell makes a decision on his case. The good news for interested teams is that it now appears Goodell will make such a decision before the resolution of Burress' twice-delayed court proceeding. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 23.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-26-2009 @ 8:20PM
John Cook said...
Burress' lawyer, Ben Branfman, is infamous for his ability to postpone trials ad infinitum, which is probably why Burress hired him. The plan was to delay everything until 2010, argue with Goodell that Burress is inncoent until proven guilty and get him a full year contract for 2009. Since Burress is over 32, he doesn't have too many good years left, so the fix has been in for a while. The only way to foil it is for Goodell to be a man, take a stand and suspent Burress for 2009. Lesson learned. Delay tactic stymied. The mandatory one-year prison sentence for carrying a concealed weapon in NYC can then kick in. Had BUrress pled immediately, he would have served 5 months, been out by June, faced a 4-game suspension and played in Week 5. The constant delaying of a clear-cut case of criminal misconduct should not HELP Burress get a new contract.
Just my opinion.
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6-26-2009 @ 8:29PM
Melvin said...
Burress delayed his next hearing until September 23.
Commissioner Goodell should wait until then to dole out the punishment.
That means Burress will miss 3 games with no contract. If Goodell gives him a 10-game suspension, which is probably about right, few teams will sign Burress knowing he might do all of 2010 in jail.
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6-26-2009 @ 10:49PM
kmf610 said...
why do these pro athletes get special treatment. its a joke.if a person worked in corporate America or a civil service job they would also lose their jobs,mot to mention the amount of jail time. a gangster is a gangster.
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6-27-2009 @ 10:33AM
wints said...
Plax dint rape nobody dint kill nobody dint hurt nobody hate to quote manaram but i do anyway i understand what kmf610 said but he had a liscense to carry a concealled weapon in other states just not NY he had the gun for selp protection and self protection only pro athletes should be scared man theres all sorts of crazy people man CC sabathia was robbed at gunpoint when he was in AAA because sumone knew him steve smith was robbed clinton portis was robbed its ridiculus hell Sean Taylor is dead because a couple guys chose his house to rob because he made a lot of money and probly had valuable stuff pro athletes have a right to be scared and as long as they are no danger to anyone they should be able to carry a concealed weapon its called the 2nd ammendment
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6-29-2009 @ 1:48PM
skins2win said...
Here is a great example of a 2nd grade education. Maybe he "dint" need anymore than that to be a janitor.
6-27-2009 @ 6:39PM
Steve said...
wints couldnt agree more dude..Regards Steve Dublin Ireland
6-30-2009 @ 1:21PM
Mike K. said...
Wints: For the record, he DID NOT have a valid concealed weapons permit. The one he had from Florida was expired. By the way, there is no such word as "dint", even if you say it that way. If you don't believe me, maybe you can "ax" someone! The bottom line is Burress broke the law and needs to pay the price. If you want to carry a gun in NY, you have to be properly licensed, simple as that. It doesn't matter if you are a receiver or a receptionist - the rules apply to everyone. Just because you are a star athlete does not excuse you from the laws of society. I get so tired of people making excuses for guys like Vick, Jones, Stallworth, etc. If I was arrested for any of the things these guys were, I would lose my job immediately, with no second, third, or fourth chance. Stop worshiping and glorifying these criminals just because they are able to catch, throw, or run with a football. Here's an idea, if he is so concerned with his personal safety - stay home or hire someone! As a 30 year Bucs season ticket holder, I can tell you that if Tampa Bay picks up this guy, it will be the last straw for me as a fan!
6-28-2009 @ 2:39PM
Kevin said...
Sure, bring Plexiglass to your team. He could start a firearms safety course; teach it in the locker room!
Bring bulletproof vests & full body armor; the instructor is a REALLY BAD SHOT.
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6-29-2009 @ 11:31AM
Jeremy G. said...
Will you guys cut this guy some slack. Like wints said earlier, pro's lives are in constant jeopardy and they should be allowed to protect themselves just so long as they don't abuse this privelege. He accidently shot himself. Otherwise no one would have ever known he had a gun.How many other pro athletes have done this in the past and not got caught. Probably some of your favorite athletes.
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6-29-2009 @ 6:30PM
trelaine167 said...
He would be great in a Eagles uniform,they would be crazy not to take a look. After all he was a big Eagle killer.
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6-29-2009 @ 11:18PM
rodevos1 said...
Burress should go to jail and sit there for a long, long time and think twice about carrying a damn gun around again. A years suspension is a perfect fit here.
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