WTH: Plax Doesn't Just Kill Germs

Man. So I finally have a chance to write and this is what I'm given? You mean another football player shoots himself in the legfoot and potentially ruins his career?

Football is an unforgiving sport for a lot of reasons. One, the contracts are not guaranteed. Two, the playing-life span is incredibly short. And three, your career can end in a matter of moments. Unfortunately for several players in recent years, it's not just because of the hard hits.

It's amazing to me how your whole life can change in an instant. If you think back, there are probably only one or two pivotal moments in your life where if things had gone differently, you would not be where you are today (for better or for worse). The tough part is that you never know until it happens when you're having one of those moments.

So here we have Plaxico Burress - and potentially Antonio Pierce - who shot himself in a night club. Allegedly, the gun fell out of his pant leg after it accidentally went off, and Pierece tried to help him hide it - which seems to suggest they knew he wasn't supposed to have it. Considering that Plax's not even walking with a limp, this wouldn't have been so bad if not for the fact that he allegedly had an expired, out of state (this latter fact is all that matters in NY) permit for the gun. Now, he's being charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon that carry a minimum sentence of 3.5 years per count.

Here's my lawyer break down for those who want to know: Under New York law, he could be found guilty if the prosecution can prove that he knowingly possessed a loaded firearm with intent to use the firearm unlawfully against another (one count) or if it can be proven that he knowingly possessed a loaded firearm outside of his home or place of business (second count).

Well, Burress did one smart thing: He hired the lawyer who got Sean "Diddy" Combs off on his night club weapon charges. That lawyer is Ben Brafman, a.k.a. this generation's Johnnie Cochran.

From what I know of the facts, I don't really see the first charge sticking. Was he really trying to hurt someone else? I don't see this being proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The second one seems more uncertain. Although Mayor Bloomberg is talking big talk, I believe in this Brafman guy, and I'm not sure that this should be the "set the example" case that the mayor would like it to be. That law is pretty tough on its face with its minimum 3.5 year sentence, and this is not really the type of situation it was meant to prevent. Talk about adding insult to injury.

Alright, kids, this one is not quite the same as the Michael Vick situation, because I understand the need to carry a weapon when you're a high profile athlete out and about, and this wasn't a case of hanging out with the wrong crowd (unless being bad for your own health counts). But there is still a huge lesson to be learned. If you're carrying a weapon outside of the state where you got your permit, you really ought to know the laws because every state (and even some cities within a state) is different, and it's quite likely that you'll end up in a situation like this one, even if you don't literally shoot yourself in the process.

The other lesson here is that nothing "good" happens when you're out after 1 a.m. You can continue to stay out later all you want . . . just know this is true, especially if you're married with children. And if your wife and child are going to be affected by your actions, then all I'd ask is that you please think three times (once for you, once for her, and once for the kids) before you decide to take a risk. It's probably not worth it.

I haven't even covered any potential NFL sanctions. Right now, he's facing some serious state charges, and, as with Michael Vick, what happens in the NFL will be dependent upon what happens in court. The Giants didn't seem to miss him too much on Sunday, and they will probably go on without him, although maybe with not as much "gusto."

And as for Antonio Pierce - well, he got to play on Sunday, and hopefully for the Giants sake he will continue to have that opportunity.

To all the other professional athletes out there - you've been warned. Again. You spend your entire life working for this dream. Don't kill it with one thoughtless decision.

Let's raise the level, folks. Our President-Elect is counting on you.

If Only For One Night *

I tried to ignore this story because it seemed insignificant but at the same time very sad.

Mike Tyson has been sentenced to one day in jail and 3 years probation after he pled guilty to a misdemeanor DUI and felony possession of cocaine. He reported to jail Tuesday and should be out about the same time that you read this.

The prosecutors had asked for a year of time, but the judge said he has tried to "atone for his crimes" and accordingly was lenient with his sentence.

One day in jail is a joke, just give him the probation. This is just a waste of taxpayer resources (especially he has to be kept away from gen pop) and it has zero effect, on him or anyone else like him who has already been to prison for several years. (For me, who has never been to jail, one day would be more than enough for me!).

But on the bright side, the kid in the cell next to him who got picked for soliciting a prostitute will have a good story to tell. And some reporter will find that guy, trust me.


*My apologies to Luther Vandross for stealing his song title for this story.

Oh, It's Definitely Gonna Fit This Time

In other news, O.J. Simpson had a 12th charge added to the 11 he had already been charged with, which by themselves amounted to life in prison. Make that life in prison plus 6 more years with the latest charge of felony coercion. This added charge stems from the allegation that Simpson and another defendant (one who hasn't said "let's make a deal") conspired to persuade other co-defendants to tell investigators that no weapon was used in the alleged robbery.

As the gov-uh-nuh of California, whose citizens found Simpson not guilty of murder in 1995, Arnold Schwarzenegger must have put in a call to the Vegas prosecutor's office to make sure they really say "Hasta la vista, baby" to Simpson this go round.

It's looking more and more like they might finally put the squeeze on the Juice. You know what they say about throwing crap on the wall - some of it has to stick.

O.J.'s Felony Charges Now Surpass Number of Remaining Fans

Well, everyone's favorite whipping boy is now up to ten felonies against him, including kidnapping. He's now looking at life in prison if convicted on all of them. If you're saying to yourself, how is that possible if they never left the room, let me attempt to explain.

Kidnapping is not just what you see in the movies when they leave the ransom note with New York Times cut out letters. Generally, kidnapping occurs where a person is intentionally captured, detained, confined, or moved against his or her will, usually for the purpose of engaging in some other crime. There are a few more elements, including that the kidnapper must actually intend to and knowingly confine the person, but this isn't the bar exam so I will spare you.

The bottom line is that the "justice" system let him get away once and they are making certain that does not happen again. 10 felonies? At least one of them should stick. You may see him behind bars after all. Poor Sydney and Justin.