The Sports Corner

Giants suspend Burress for remainder of season

In the aftermath of Plaxico Burress’ self inflicted gun shot wound, the Giants have announced the star wide receiver will be suspended by the team for the remaining four games of this season and placed on the non-football injured reserve list.

The suspension - in addition to the injured reserve listing - means Burress cannot return to the Giants during the playoffs.

It was a move that many expected in light of the gun charges laid by the District Attorney’s office yesterday. Burress did not have a permit to carry the handgun in New York.

Burress, who surrendered himself to police and is cooperating with the police investigation, posted a $100,000 bond and will now await his next day in Court. He faces three to ten years in prison if he is convicted of the current felony charge. However, it is not unusual for the charge to be dropped down on a plea bargain which could see Burress receive a substantial fine, community service and/or probation - all of which will undoubtedly be more appealing than detention.

Of course any penalty which Burress faces in Court will be in addition to that handed out by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The NFL does not require a criminal conviction to utilize it’s player code of conduct policy to fine and/or suspend Burress. The NFL has stated they are investigating the situation before making a decision about whether to hand out any additional punishment to that which the Giants and the Court is likely to impose.

It would be hard not to see the NFL give Burress some form of suspension next season, though talk of a Pacman Jones one-year ban would seem unlikely considering Burress’ better track record.

The Giants’ suspension is likely to bring to an end of last year’s Superbowl hero’s term with the team.

Whilst no decision has been made or communicated by the Giants, it is understood that this incident is the last in a year of ill-discipline by Burress, who was suspended and fined by the team earlier. Burress has also had his struggles on the field this season with his numbers well and truly down from a year ago, though that might be a reflection of the constant double-teaming he faces everytime he crosses the white line.

“As we have said since Saturday morning, our concern is for Plaxico’s health and well-being,” Giants’ President John Mara said. “This is an important time for him to take care of his body and heal up and also deal with the very serious legal consequences and other issues in his life. When I spoke with Plaxico, he expressed great remorse for letting down his teammates.”

“I had two conversations with Plaxico today, and it was obvious that he understood the magnitude of this situation,” General Manager Jerry Reese said. “He knows that we are here to support him and help him get healthy.”

“Our concern all along has been for Plaxico the person, not Plaxico the player,” said team Chairman Steve Tisch. “We are here to support him and his family as he recovers from his wound and deals with some serious issues.”

It remains to be seen whether any other Giants’ players will be punished in this incident. Linebacker Antonio Pearce, the captain of the defensive unit, was at the nightclub when Burress shot himself and helped get his teammate medical attention.

Initially running back Derrick Ward was sought by police for an interview about the incident but the police have since confirmed Ward was not at the club at the time. Instead they have sought an interview with Ahmad Bradshaw.

Neither Bradshaw or Pierce have been linked to any allegations of criminal wrong doing. The Giants though will have to satisfy themselves that there was no breaches of their own team rules by the other players involved.

The Giants’ medical staff confirmed that Burress would have missed at least four to six weeks with the injury which would have ruled him out for the rest of the season in any regard.