Plaxico Burress has avoided a decision in the justice system, for now, but will a decision on his playing future soon be reached? Burress and his agent Drew Rosenhaus have stated that he is in good shape and ready to play in the NFL this coming season after recovering from his self inflicted gun shot wound last fall. With jail time on the back burner for now, Burress seems free to rejoin an NFL team and resume his career, but does anyone want to sign him? More importantly, should anyone sign him?
Rumor has it that among a handful of teams, the New York Jets and Chicago Bears have expressed the most interest in Burress' services. Both teams could use Burress' experience and ability. The Bears have long been lacking a reliable, go to WR to help but some teeth in their offensive scheme. The Jets even more so could benefit from Burress as he would not only be able to stretch the field but would be a fantastic target for rookie Mark Sanchez if, or more accurately when, he becomes the Jets starter. The bigger question is, should either of these teams, or any other even consider giving Burress a contract.
Yes, Burress is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, but it doesn't look good for him. New York's law is clear, jail time is the punishment for illegal possession of firearms. While Burress was the only "victim" in this crime, other people could have been injured when his gun went off accidentally. Like it or not, Burress broke the law and deserves to face the punishment. His status as a star athlete shouldn't shield him from facing justice.
Rules and laws aside, signing Burress poses a financial risk for whatever team decides to sign him. While Burress' trial has been delayed for now, there is always the possibility that when it reconvenes he could be found guilty and face upwards of 3 1/2 years in prison. Even if he dodges a decision in court this season, Roger Goodell may not decide to let this incident slide. While it doesn't appear that the NFL's personal conduct policy has any provisions that would allow Burress to be punished, Goodell is on a crusade to make sure NFL players represent the NFL in the best possible way at all times, on the field and off. Clearly Burress has not lived up to that standard, making it possible that Goodell could suspend Burress for upwards of 8 games this season.
Even though Burress has not been convicted in a court of law, it appears he may have been convicted already in the court of public opinion. Further complicating the issue is the fact that Burress is not likely to sign anywhere for cheap. Few owners are likely to make any kind of commitment to Burress until they are sure that the NFL will take no action against him. At that point, it becomes a 50/50 decision based upon how quickly Burress might move through the justice system come September.
