Zac’s note: This piece was first published on my Examiner page
Just when you may have believed that the Plaxico Burress saga was going to go away…and that it couldn’t get any stranger.
On Monday, it was reported by several different sources that Robert Morgenthau, Manhattan district attorney, wants to send former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress to jail for the infamous November gun incident that left Burress with a self inflicted gunshot wound. The Star-Ledger and the New York Postalso claimed that Burress agreed to spend one year in jail. On Monday evening, however, the Star-Ledger posted an update.
Ben Brafman, attorney for Plaxico Burress, is quoted in the Star-Ledger piece as saying “I told (Morgenthau) if they offered one year, I would discuss with Plax. They never offered it and Plax never authorized it.” Brafman had more to say on the subject. “I was surprised and disappointed to read the public comments made by Bob Morgenthau with respect to a case that is now being considered by a grand jury. A grand jury is supposed to be an independent body. And in this case, they have the absolute right not to indict Mr. Burress if they feel that would be appropriate. For the district attorney to discuss the maximum sentences that are going to be imposed in a case where the target of the grand jury has not yet even been indicted is not only premature, it’s completely inappropriate.”
Plaxico Burress’ attorney wasn’t through. Brafman went on to say “my fear is that the integrity and the independence of the grand jury has been irreparably prejudiced and compromised. My hope, however, is the grand jurors see this as an effort to undermine their work and, as a result, try even more diligently to give Mr. Burress a fair hearing.”
Brafman goes on to say that he and Burress’ legal team are “considering all options” when it comes to taking any legal actions regarding Morgenthau’s comments.
In case you missed it, it was also reported on Monday that New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce may still be charged for his involvement in the Plaxico Burress incident.
Giants fans and NFL fans in general may have to deal with the fact that the Plaxico Burress saga isn’t going away anytime soon. The war of words between Burress’ lawyer and the Manhattan district attorney is a reminder that neither side is going to settle, most likely keeping Plaxico Burress off the field for the 2009 NFL regular season. If Burress would have settled much earlier, perhaps back in May, for example, the D.A. might have been willing to show a little mercy. Instead, it’s looking more and more like Burress won’t make his way on an NFL team in 2009.
