The best thing in that whole situation is to wish that it never happened, but in life sometimes you can't take things back. You can't rewind. We just move forward, and that's what I plan on doing is move forward.
It’s been a long four days for New York Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress. After one self-inflicted gunshot wound to the thigh, the 31-year-old is not only on the hot seat with the NFL (he just signed a $35 million contract with his team in September) but he also faces up to 15-years in the slammer.
In perhaps the shortest timeline you’ll ever see on VIBE.com, let’s take a look at the hellish clumsiness that started off as a bottle-popping night at the club, to a scheduled court date.
NOVEMBER 29:
Burress and buddy Antonio Pierce hit up Latin Quarters in New York, but despite $35 mil in "contractual bank," was turned away at the door. According to the New York Daily News, Burress eventually bribed his way in after returning with a pocketful of cash and diamonds. He also told club management he needed a loaded gun by his side for protection.
After settling into V.I.P., Plaxico was enjoying himself with a drink in his left hand, while fidgeting with the waistband on his right. Suddenly, club goers heard a pop. “Take me to the hospital” Plax blurt, after shaking a pistol from out his pants leg.
He then realized his folly and had a change of heart. He told Pierce not to call 911.
NOVEMBER 30:
How did the NYPD find out what happened? Apparently, a Giants tattletale called the cops and reported the party-gone-wrong. Even club workers remained hush.
According to TMZ, Burress didn’t have a permit to carry a concealed weapon in NYC, and his permit in Florida expired May 2007.
Burress arranged for someone to let the authorities- who did not have a warrant- in his house when they stopped by to cop the gun by that afternoon.
In the meantime, he hired Diddy’s “JLo / Shyne incident” attorney, Benjamin Brafman. Brafman disclosed that Plax would plea not guilty to felony weapon possession.
"I would hope that his fans reserve judgment in this matter until all of the facts are developed," Brafman told the press.
DECEMBER 1:
An embarrassed Plaxico turned himself into the 17th precinct in New York and surrendered to cops, and was arraigned at 1 p.m. He was taken out in handcuffs, and surpisingly, without a noticeable limp.
A judge settled on bail for $100,000, after the prosecutor argued he should pony up $250,000.
Meanwhile, Plax’ homie Pierce dodged meeting up with cops for questioning on Monday, but managed to make it to an allegedly paid radio appearance, TMZ reports.
"[It's] been a headache," Pierce told WFAN radio host Mike Francesa. "If it was up to me, it would have been done with that night or never happened…The best thing in that whole situation is to wish that it never happened, but in life sometimes you can't take things back. You can't rewind. We just move forward, and that's what I plan on doing is move forward."
DECEMBER 2:
The first cover-up was Burress bouncing from the club with a bullet. Later it was revealed that Burress signed into the New York–Cornell Hospital under the name Harris Smith, and told staffers he was actually shot at an Applebee’s restaurant.
In a third cover-up, the hospital apparently never reported the gunshot wound to the cops…which is apparently against the law.
The New York State Department of Health has launched a full investigation to determine if the hospital was so head over heels in love with Plax they engaged in a conspiracy to hide information their own self.
The hospital worker, who failed to call NYPD after Harris Smith…err…Plaxico checked into the hospital, was immediately given the pink slip.
Plaxico eventually showed up to Giants Stadium at 9:20 in the morning Tuesday, for treatment on his leg. The league has declined to comment on what disciplinary actions would be enforced.
Plaxico Burress has officially been charged with two counts of criminal possession of a handgun. A grand jury hearing has been set for March 31.
home
