Plaxico’s Predictable Providence

In Super Bowl XLII, Plaxico Burress snared the penultimate pass. On September 4, he signed a 5-year, $35 million contract. On September 25, he was suspended for two weeks. On December 1, he was charged with criminal weapons possession. Burress’ plunge was both conceivable and unfathomable.

On Friday, the New York Giants released Burress. “I am an optimist, and I believe most situations can be worked out,” said General Manager Jerry Reese. “We hung in there as long as we could in hopes that there could be a resolution to this situation other than the decision we made today to release Plaxico. It wasn't to be, so now we have to move on. Like everybody else here, we want nothing but the best for Plaxico, and we are appreciative of the contributions he made to this franchise.”

On November 27, Burress entered a nightclub. His concealed weapon was unregistered. Burress’ gun slipped. A bullet pierced his thigh. On December 2, he was suspended again. “It's an unfortunate situation for everyone involved,” said Osi Umenyiora. “I'm not surprised. He is a tremendous talent, and you never want to let a guy like that go for nothing, but I think the uncertainty of the court forced their hand.”

During his career, Burress has amassed 505 receptions, 7,845 yards, and 55 touchdowns. With the Giants, he totaled 244 receptions, 3,681 yards, and 33 touchdowns. “Plaxico's contribution to our championship season in 2007 can never be underestimated or undervalued,” said Coach Tom Coughlin. “He displayed tremendous determination throughout that season. Having said that, I have always been as concerned about Plaxico as a man as I have been about him as a player, and my hope is that everything that has happened over the past several months represents a turning point.”

For 125 days, the Giants’ speech was impartial. Their verbiage was objective. Their decision was inevitable. Burress ignored his franchise. He sacrificed their season. He violated their trust. He should have been released immediately.