by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor
December 2, 2008
The online sports betting community was thrown for a loop this week, when we learned that New York Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress, accidently shot himself in the leg. Burress was released from an NY hospital last Saturday, according to the Giants.
Several reports have confirmed that the shooting was accidental, however there will be repercussions. In a written statement, the Giants indicated that Burress had suffered a gunshot wound in his right thigh due to “an apparent accidental shooting.” The Giants noted that they were investigating the incident and had been in contact with NFL security officials. The team indicated that the accident “could become a matter for law enforcement officials.”
Details as to how serious the injury was, or whether Burress will continue to play were not given. However, he was removed from Sunday’s match against the Washington Redskins because of a “hamstring injury.”
“Obviously, our primary concern is for Plaxico’s health and well being,” the statement read, “and given the circumstances, we are relieved to say he was released from a New York City hospital at approximately 2 p.m. At this point, we are attempting to gather all the facts surrounding this incident. This incident could become a matter for law enforcement officials, and because of that, we have no comment on any of the details.”
The shooting occurred at a nightclub on the East Side of Manhattan. According to a number of news reports, Burress suffered a non-life-threatening injury hours after the announcement was made that he would not play the Redskins on Sunday.
The loss of Burress is detrimental for online sports betting, as he is a key player for the team, catching the game-winning touchdown in last year’s Super Bowl. Burress was just signed on another give year, $35 million agreement this season following a contract dispute.
Plaxico has since been suspended from the New York Giants, although the NFL Association said it will file a grievance. The suspension of Burress is a violation of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, the NFLPA asserts.
“The NFLPA is still reviewing the actions taken by the New York Giants,” the association said in a statement, “but we intend to file a grievance challenging those actions as we believe that Burress; rights have been violated under the CBA.”
Burress has been charged with two counts of second-degree handgun possession, with each count carrying a minimum jail sentence of 3.5 years. Burress was released on $100,000 bail and is due back in court March 31st.
Charles Way, the team’s director of player development, and trainer Ronnie Barnes spoke with local police about the shooting on Monday, but were told that they are still waiting to speak to more informed witnesses – this includes the hospital where Burress was treated, and teammate Antonio Pierce who was present at the nightclub.
Police are investigating what action Pierce took following the shooting, and whether the incident is a cover-up. They intend to question running nack Ahmad Bradhaw, who was also allegedly present at the night club.
Antonion Pierce plans to meet with members of the district attorney’s office. In a radio announcement on Tuesday, Pierce would provide no comment on the shooting.
“It’s not appropriate with the police being involved,” he said. “I’ve got to be strong. I’ve got to stay my course and deal with my attorney and deal with the officials who tell me what to do. I’ve got to go about my business and when I get to work, I’ve got to go about my work.”
The NYPD reports that Pierce has not appeared to the police precinct as was agreed. “After the events in question, Mr. Pierce did what any other reasonable person would do under the circumstances, he hired counsel,” said his lawyer. “After we were hired, I was in immediate and direct contact with the DA’s office.”
Bradshaw also declined to comment, but has agreed to meet with police officials. According to his attorney, Charles A. Stacy, “Mr. Bradshaw has been advised he is not suspect of any wrongdoing and is to be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation of the incident involving Mr. Burress.”
The NYPD reports that Pierce has not appeared to the police precinct as was agreed.
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