Prisoner Plaxico

Former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress, won’t be doing any touchdown celebrations for a while. The Superbowl hero for New York two years ago was indicted on weapons charges for shooting himself in the thigh at a night club last November 29th. A NYC grand jury charged the 31 year old athlete with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of reckless endangerment. Burress faces a minimum jail sentence of three and a half years if convicted. The receiver could also face disciplinary action by NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell. If Burress’ attorney and prosecutors don’t work out a plea bargain, number 17 will stand trial on September 23rd.
In my opinion, Plaxico’s possible prison punishment is a product of his own imprecision and stupidity. He carried a loaded and unlicensed gun into a club and accidentally shot himself. Plaxico must have known his weapon’s license was only valid in the state of Florida. He also must have been aware his license was five months expired when he checked into the Latin Quarter club. I understand the reckless receiver did not intend to commit a crime with his .4 caliber semi-automatic. He was only carrying a weapon in the waistband of his pants to protect himself in self-defense. How silly it sure seems that he needed reassurance in the form of a weapon to enjoy a night out. The circumstances are still questionable as to why he was even at a club with teammates that November night. Burress should be able to lead a normal live outside football but he obviously had reserves about the type of environment he chose to endeavor. Athletes realize risky daily decisions can hurt not only their career but their teammates. As it turns out, Plaxico was the only one injured by his own carless and negligent actions. He deserves time in the cell for putting other civilians in unnecessary and harmful danger. I was satisfied with the jury’s decision to disregard his fame and status as an NFL star and followed the law of the state. Burress is protected under the Second Amendment right to bear arms. But he won’t be able to wiggle himself out of a jail sentence the way he can wiggle the ball out of a defender’s hands for a touchdown.
Parting points: Check out the new Modest Mouse album hitting stores today. It sounds like another great collection of Indie rock.