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They are 11-1, riding a seven-game winning streak and widely acknowledged as the best team in the NFL, coming off a Super Bowl title and unquestionably capable of winning another.
The joyride was knocked off its axis when a shot rang out late Friday night inside a Manhattan nightclub, a bullet ripping through the right thigh of Plaxico Burress. Now their top receiver, who accidentally shot himself, is facing serious jail time.
Yesterday he was charged with two counts of felony possession of a weapon in the second degree. His attorney, Benjamin Brafman, said Burress plans on pleading not guilty.
There is the very real specter of Burress never again playing for the Giants, as he might be incarcerated, suspended by the NFL or simply jettisoned by the team he helped guide to a championship nine months ago with the game-winning catch in Super Bowl XLII.
Asked if there is any thought to deactivating Burress – the team could put him on the non-football injury list, meaning they would not have to pay him – coach Tom Coughlin yesterday said, “We’re dealing with that. Discussions are ongoing. We just put the Redskins game to rest. We’re going to be discussing those other issues as we gain information over the next couple of days.”
The team also could opt to suspend Burress for “conduct detrimental to the team,” which they did for one game earlier this season.
The Giants told Burress to be at Giants Stadium today, no doubt for serious talks and also treatment on his injured right hamstring. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Burress will be there.
The Giants are trying to combat the siege mentality threatening to take down their great success on the field. Mayor Bloomberg blasted the team for not immediately notifying the police about the shooting – the Giants insist they contacted NFL Security as soon as they learned the facts – and seems to want to make an example out of Burress based on his celebrity status.
“I think it would be an outrage if we don’t prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” Bloomberg said.
So what happens from here? Burress, who walked into court without any discernable limp, was released after posting $100,000 bond, and Brafman said his client is recovering quickly from the gunshot wound.
“If they let him play he’ll be able to play,” Brafman said.
Coughlin said he had “no idea about the health status” of Burress.
Either way, the Giants likely won’t let him play, not now anyway. It’s doubtful he’s physically ready – he also was dealing with a strained right hamstring before the shooting – and there’s no chance the Giants would put him on the field with so much controversy swirling around him.
Burress’ next court date isn’t until March 31, well after the season, the playoffs and Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, putting the onus on the league and the Giants to make a move before the legal process takes hold.
Burress could be in violation of the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, which would presumably lead to a suspension of at least four games.
Burress is not alone in this situation, as teammate Antonio Pierce has been questioned by NFL Security about his involvement in the accident. Pierce was with Burress at the nightclub.
Speaking yesterday on WFAN, Pierce said, “I just want the whole city of New York to make sure they fully support Plaxico Burress, the New York Giants and Antonio Pierce and make sure you don’t just come to assumptions and read into things from all the sources that you hear. Don’t believe everything you hear.”
A third player, running back Ahmad Bradshaw, also was at the club that night but was not in the vicinity when the shot was fired. Bradshaw is currently on probation for a juvenile offense but this is not expected to jeopardize his standing with the legal system.
The Giants have been challenged before, but perhaps never like this.
“I don’t think it will be a hindrance,” said Amani Toomer, a veteran of 12 years with the Giants. “I think our team is a very resilient bunch.”