Giant Twist

For years, Plaxico Burress has killed the Eagles in every game they have played him. But with the Eagles playing the Giants next week, they will not have to face Buress. Not this week.

Or possibly for the next 3 to 3.5 years.

While some details have been released, lets recap as to what is generally understood to be what took place on Friday night. With Burress already listed as out for the weekend game agaisnt the Redskins, he along with team mates Antonio Pierce and Ahmad Bradshaw. Burress was with his body guards, who were aware that he had a loaded gun on him. It later came out that team mate Stever Smith had been robbed earlier in the week, and this could be the reason for his descion to carry an illegal firearm (this hasn't been confirmed). After some drinks, I've read that Burress ws visibily drunk. His gun was in his pants, and at one point slipped down and into his pant leg. As Burress went to grab it, it went off, firing the bullet completely through his already injured theigh. Screaming in pain, team mate Pierce tried to stop the bleeding. At this point, Burress did not want to go to the hospital for fear of this getting out in the public, but eventually did go to see a doctor. He signed in under the alias Harris Smith, and was treated for the gun shot wound. It has also been reported that Pierce hid the gun for Burress, which is also a crime in New York.

Since that night, it has been reported that the hospital did not report Burress to the police, which is a law since he had a gun shot wound. This is a misdemeanor in New York. Also, it has been reported that Burress has been laughing and joking with team mates about it, and is not worried.

However, unless his fame gets him out, he should be. In New York, carrying an illegal firearm is a 3- 3.5 year sentence, no questions asked. Much like any case involving a high profile athlete, this could go both ways. Burress could cut a deal, and get off without serving any time. However, New York could try to make an example of him, and put him behind bars. I think that is the right thing to do. Not just as an Eagles fan, but as a citizen who does not want other people thinking that you can carry a gun illegally and get away with it just becasue you can catch a football.

This impacts the NFL a great deal. First off, the likely hood of Burress playing for the Giants again is slim. He has clashed with the coaches and management, and was on thin ice as it was. Now, why would the Giants welcome him back? They won the Super Bowl last year, and have won the two games that he has not played in this season. They suspended him earlier in the season for showing up late. I find it hard to believe they will welcome a felon back on thier team.

The next question is, what happens to Pierce? He, along with Jason Tuck, is the heart of the defense, and also the most vocal. What if he gets suspended for some games? Last year, the three most recongnizable and vocal members of the defense were Micheal Strahan, Osui Umanyuora and Pierce. Now, none of them could be on the field come Sunday.

The Giants already have the divison pretty much wrapped up, but this is going to kill what has been a feel good season for the Giants so far. This team is getting bad vibes around it at the wrong time. Last year at this time, they were starting to come together. Now, they are coming apart.

The winners in all this? The Eagles, who get 9 days to prepare for a team filled with turmoil.