The New York Giants are not counting on Plaxico Burress’ return to the team next season.
The troubled but tallented wide receiver is facing fellony charges stemming from an incident in which Burress accidentaly shot himself in the leg and could be sentenced to significant jail time if convicted.
Giants GM Jerry Reese stated “I hope he’s motivated, but the legal process is what’s most important right now and his health is what’s most important right now. But we’ll prepare as if he’s not going to be here, and if he is, it’s a bonus.”
For his part, Burress has reportedly told Giants receiver coach Mike Sullivan that he wants to return to the league saying “If I only can get back on the field, I want to be the kind of player that I can be.” However, his agent Drew Rosenhaus reportedly informed teams that Burress would like to be traded.
Unfortunately for Burress, where he’s going to play next year isn’t as much a question as if he’ll play. There’s the aforementioned possibility of incarceration, the league may well take disciplinary action once the legal process has run it’s course, and the Giants still have the receiver under contract through 2012. If he is able to play, but refuses to report to Giants’ training camp, the team could potentially suspend him without pay until an agreement is reached.