NEW YORK (AP) -- Former Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress tearfully told his family goodbye as he was led away to prison Tuesday after being sentenced to two years on a weapons charge.Burress was so soft-spoken during his apologetic courtroom address that onlookers could not understand him.
Burress, at the time a star receiver with the New York Giants, was at the Latin Quarter nightclub in Manhattan last November when a gun tucked into his waistband slipped down his leg and fired, wounding him in the thigh.
The gun was not licensed in New York or in New Jersey, where Burress lived. His license to carry a concealed weapon in the Florida had expired in May 2008.
He had been indicted on two counts of weapons possession and one count of reckless endangerment, but under a plea deal reached Aug. 20, Burress agreed to a single, lesser charge of attempted criminal possession of a weapon.
No charges were filed against Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce, who was with Burress the night of the incident, drove him to the hospital and took the gun to his home in New Jersey before arranging to have it returned to Burress.
With time off for good behavior, Burress likely will serve 20 months. He could be released from prison as early as the spring of 2011 and will be monitored an additional two years after he is freed.
Burress hired a consultant to teach him how to use his time in prison productively.
The Giants released Burress in April, but the 32-year-old told ESPN he hopes to resume his NFL career when he completes his sentence.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning passes during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts Monday, Sept. 21, 2009 in Miami. Manning threw touchdown passes of 80 yards to Dallas Clark and 48 yards to Pierre Garcon in the Colts 27-23 win. (AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan)
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** RECROPPED VERSIOn ** Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress reacts as he appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing at Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges. (AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)
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Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing in Manhattan criminal court , Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges.( AP Photo/Marc Hermann, Pool)
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** RECROPPED VERSION ** Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing in Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges.( AP Photo/Marc Hermann, Pool)
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Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing in Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges.( AP Photo/Marc Hermann, Pool)
AP
Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing in Manhattan criminal court , Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges.( AP Photo/Marc Hermann, Pool)
AP
Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress grimaces as he appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing in Manhattan criminal court , Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges.( AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)
AP
Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress grimaces as he appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing in Manhattan criminal court , Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges.( AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)
AP
Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress, center, appears before judge Michael Melkonian for his sentencing at Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. At right is Burress's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges. ( AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)
AP
Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress appears before judge Michael Melkonian, not shown, for his sentencing at Manhattan criminal court , Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in New York. Burress was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a nightclub and later reaching a plea deal on weapons charges. At right is Burress's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman. ( AP Photo/ Steven Hirsch, Pool)
AP
"When I get out, I'll be 33, not 43," Burress said in an interview broadcast in August. "I'll still be able to run and catch. I'll still have the God-given ability to snag footballs; that's what I love to do. Of course, I want to play again."
Gil Brandt, an analyst on NFL Sirius Radio and the former head of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, said Burress won't be too old for a comeback when he's released from prison.
"First of all, Plaxico is a guy who keeps himself in pretty good shape," Brandt said. "Lots of times guys get heavy in the off-season. He is not a guy who has done that."
Burress is suspended by the NFL, but the league said he will be reinstated after he completes his prison sentence.
The star receiver played collegiately for Michigan State and in 2000 was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he built a reputation as one of the league's top deep threats. He signed as a free agent with the Giants before the 2005 season.
Burress' big moment with the Giants came when he caught the winning touchdown over the previously undefeated New England Patriots in the final minute of the 2008 Super Bowl.
His attorney, Benjamin Brafman, said previously that Burress was thinking of his family -- including his wife and young son, Elijah -- in taking the plea, but Brafman questioned the fairness of the recommended prison sentence.
"This was not an intentional criminal act," Brafman said the day of the plea. "In my judgment, a two-year prison sentence is a very severe punishment."
Before sentencing Tuesday, Brafman called Burress "a fundamentally decent man."
"This is a very real tragic case in many, many ways," Brafman said.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
9-22-2009 @ 3:02PM
Sully said...
Let's see, Donte Stallworth gets 30 days (served 21) for killing a man while driving drunk, and Buress gets two years for accidentally shooting himself with his own gun! Yeah, I know what the law is, but this is absurd! I would love to know how many more guys have done a lot worse and got a lot less time in jail! This is a tragedy to take a man away from his family and football for two years for this. If it was a stolen gun and he shot somebody else intentionally, well that is different, but this is a bunch of crap! Good luck to you Plexico! Hang in there!
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9-22-2009 @ 3:41PM
bradgnoyes said...
This has nothing to do with Donte Stallworth, Sully. This guy brought a loaded weapon into a club and it discharged. He could have easily killed an innocent bystander. I agree that Stallworth should have received far harsher penalties, but Burress is getting what he deserves.
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9-22-2009 @ 5:20PM
redw637936 said...
Plaxico was made an example out of mostly due to being black and rich, i never heard of a celebrity getting two years in jail for shooting him self thats unheard of, they wanted to hurt him, i would have never excepted a deal like that no way, had that been Manning who had shot his self in a club they wouldnt even think of giving him time they would have gave him a slap on the wrist and some probation time and that would have been the end of it, Plaxico Lawyers should have been fighting hard against that because that was bull sh-t and they know it sending a man to a two years prison sentence for shooting him self, they hate to see a black man making big money, what a racist system in this country.
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9-22-2009 @ 5:24PM
hankbrilliant said...
Why would a guy like Burress have to walk around with a gun in his belt? It seems he still had the mentality of the "hood" that he grew up in.
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9-22-2009 @ 6:27PM
JennyPenny said...
Yes im sure it's cause he's black,Has nothing to do with him being plan STUPID innocent people have been getting shot left and right.Poor Poor Plax had the best lawyers money could buy,i think 6 months would of sent a statement UNLESS he has a record
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9-22-2009 @ 6:56PM
dmmrduck said...
This is the most ridiculous sentencing I have ever heard of. This professional shot himself not a dog, a person, a squirrel and got 2 years in jail not even probation. The system really needs to look at the way a black man is treated in our society. It makes me very sad to see this young black man's family and future being ripped apart because of racism. Since i am making a comment I would like to end this with where in the world can you stand or sit and call the President of the United States a liar without being dragged out of the area in handcuffs. Very Very Sad. If you can't respect the man at least respect the office of the president. Thank You for allowing me to voice my opinion.
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9-23-2009 @ 10:43AM
sick2mystomach said...
why does everything have to be about race??? I am so tired of people pulling the race card. the judge was an absoulute idiot and the mayor is no better but this is not a race issue unless you make it one. nobody cares that he is black, just like nobody cared that Stallworth is black. Please lets argue the issue and not add extra BS to an already stupid case.
9-22-2009 @ 7:02PM
hnnnsox said...
Two years was not nearly enough. He should have gotten at least five years so we never have to see his ugly face in the league again.
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9-22-2009 @ 7:41PM
nickstoli said...
He went all the way...to the penitentiary! Well, at least he didn't shoot his nuts off.
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9-22-2009 @ 8:57PM
WHAT A NITWIT said...
===================================================== OK...WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? IF YOU'R GOING TO GO TO A CLUB WHERE YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO BRING A GUN TO.....WHY GO..?? HIRE SOME BODYGUARDS.....HE'S GOT THE MONEY ....CAN I GET AN AMEN?? =======================================
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9-22-2009 @ 9:01PM
tyrekyoung said...
AMEN
9-22-2009 @ 8:56PM
ed344mu said...
It's a shame most of you do not understand New York State's gun laws. Google the Sullivan Act and see how stringent the laws are in New York City! Plaxico violated this law. It made no difference whether he shot himself or just dropped the gun and it hit a wall. He violated the law. If you are going to possess a gun, learn the laws of the community within which you take your gun!
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9-22-2009 @ 9:03PM
tyrekyoung said...
You know the difference between Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing and Co and these guys; Michaeal was smart enough to go to upscale establishment where they could get ther party on and not put themselves in any danger
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9-22-2009 @ 9:05PM
tyrekyoung said...
sorry bro but carrying a loaded weapon illegally is a 3 - 5 plain and simple
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9-22-2009 @ 9:07PM
Nebster said...
He should have been home with the kids but instead "Chose the club w/gun scene." He should have spent some of his contract money on expanding his pea brain. I have a hard time feeling sorry for people who have the world on a platter. It's not like the guys a DR. or something that contributes to the world. Take away his athletic ability "genetics" and he would be detailing my car for a living. Stupid things always happen to STUPID poeple. Does he get his advice from Pac Man.
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9-23-2009 @ 4:06AM
geelok10 said...
This is criminal to the intent that the Mayor is assisting the Court system commit treason All gun laws violate the US Constitution willfully. Assias Armorum provides that everyone has the right to keep arms for defense no matter who you are. Accompany the 2nd Amendment and there is NO Crime he is the injured party the Prosecutor needs to be jailed for court fraud and unlawful prosecution, and all of you who believe that its about justice truly know nothing about the Judicial system. The US is the Prison Capitol of the World, when you willfully allow the courts to send someone to prison for unlawful charges in violation of a Constitutional guarantee you become the criminal aiding and abetting a criminal and corrupt organization posing as the Good guys. You better wake up before you find yourselves in a cage for breaking the next wave of illegal laws they draft over the next Congressional vacation.
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9-23-2009 @ 5:55AM
buford1 said...
Someone said if that had been Eli he would have spent o time in jail. The obvious difference is Eli unlike the dumbazz Burress would never put himself in that position.
I totally disagree with any law that infringes on y right to bear arms but if you are going to go to that den in liberalism and fools you have to play by their rules.
Burress also was all over the front pages for his arrogance and "me" "me" demeanor. He got wbhat he deserved for being a total azz.
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9-23-2009 @ 10:20AM
sick2mystomach said...
I am infuriated with this sentence, lets forget about Burress'career and think about his son and pregnant wife. this crime does not fit the punishment at all. this is his first offense and he is treated like a career criminal. He should absolutley have to pay for what he did but what about community service and maybe talking to at risk youth about the dangers of firearms. there are so many better ways that the justice system could have used this man for good. Instead they lock him up for two years and call it justice. I ask you, where is the justice.
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9-23-2009 @ 4:09PM
snakedoctor said...
In my humble opinion, 2 years is to much. He should have received no more than 6 months, but I ain't da judge........
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9-23-2009 @ 4:43PM
drivemycar14 said...
This is indeed the most ridiculus sentence I have ever heard of. Plax and his family, not to mention the entire football world will be suffering from his loss. How many athletes in recent times have been shot and killed in this crazy mixed up world.Some People are fanatics and do these things to stars at will it seems. Why should't they be allowed to protect themselves? I fear that our constitution is slowly but surely being compromised and people like New York's mayor should not have such an influence in putting people behind bars as he has said he would make this case his own personal endevor. Please forgive my spelling but you get the picture....
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