The Blog of Dan Driffill

So you heard that Plaxico Burress, star WR of the defending Super Bowl chamion New York Giants, accidentally shot himself in the right thigh at a Manhattan club (Latin Quarter) last Friday night? Did you also hear that his teammates LB Antonio Pierce and RB Ahmad Bradshaw were with him? Maybe you also heard that Pierce attempted to hide the gun and clean the prints off it as he berated Plaxico for bringing a loaded gun with him? And maybe, just maybe, you heard that Plax went to a NY hospital and checked himself in as “Harris Smith”saying he was shot at an Applebee’s?

STUPID.

Look, no one ever said Plaxico was smart. But this is all getting a little out of control. The NFL has suspended Plaxico Burress and he has been charged by the state for concealing an illegal firearm. I am ok with that, fine him, and even fine him big to send an example.

Here’s my beef:

Plaxico, and his potentially to-be-charged teammates, presented no threat to the world around them. They were in a private VIP booth at the club and Plaxico accidentally discharged his gun into his right thigh while adjusting it in his waist band. Stupid yes, but he never pulled a gun on anyone. Didn’t fight with anyone. And certainly didn’t shoot at anyone. There have been much worse actions from NFL players over the past 18 months.

Yes, Plaxico should have had a permit. Permits are difficult to obtain for a concealed handgun, but he should have at least filed the paperwork. But I get it. We are only shortly removed from Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor’s death following a gunshot in a botched home invasion. ESPN wrote an article last week about how NFL players are still living in fear as potential targets. If I was someone who had fame for being wealthy (like an an NFL player), I would certainly consider carrying a gun for safety. Hell, if I was Tom Golisano or anyone directly tied to riches, I would consider it.

So don’t make Plaxico Buress Pacman Jones. Pacman is a clear criminal with many violent actions in his past. Ray Lewis is directly tied to a double homicide and we celebrate his career. Plaxico did not threaten anyone nor use his weapon even in an intimidating manner. So fine him, FINE HIM HUGE. But do not suspend him. Do not charge the teammates that seemed to act responsible, in my assessment.

NFL players live in a very different world than you or I. And in that world, carrying a gun may be a smart exercise of judgement in consideration of one’s own safety.