Plax to Plead Not Guilty on Weapon Charge

Burress was drinking, refused hospitalization

By Drew Nelles, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 30, 2008 7:03 PM CST

(Newser) – Plaxico Burress will turn himself in to police tomorrow and plead not guilty on a felony weapon charge, the New York Daily News reports. If convicted, the New York Giant receiver—who accidentally shot himself in the leg on Friday—would face a minimum 3-1/2 year sentence for carrying an illegal, concealed handgun in New York. Fellow Giant Antonio Pierce may be indicted for allegedly hiding Burress' weapon after the incident.

Details of the shooting are coming out:

Guards at the Latin-themed LQ nightclub at first refused to let Burress in because of his gun, and grew nervous when he started drinking.
The weapon fell down Burress' pant leg as he walked to a VIP area; he fumbled for it and the gun fired through his leg, hitting no bone.
Burress told his friends not to call 911, and avoided going to a hospital until his wife took him in 2 hours later.
Burress has an expired Florida license for the handgun, but that won't hold up in a New York court.

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In this Feb. 4, 2008 file photo, New York Giants' wide receiver Plaxico Burress gestures number one after getting off a team bus at Giants Stadium Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz, File)

A fan holds a sign referring to New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52). (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

In this July 16, 2008 file photo New York Giants football player Plaxico Burress arrives at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

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This incident could become a matter for law enforcement officials. Our primary concern is for Plaxico's health and well-being. - New York Giants statement

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Plax to Plead Not Guilty on Weapon Charge