Antonio Pierce May Be Charged in Plaxico Burress Shooting Incident

The New York Giants are in the midst of what may be another Super Bowl winning season, which would put them among the all time NFL elite. The Giants should be celebrating a 10-1 mark, a wide advantage over everyone in the NFC, and prepare for a rivalry game with the Redskins today. Instead, the Giants are embroiled in some off the field turmoil after the bizarre accidental shooting of Plaxico Burress, and the trouble that Burress and teammate Antonio Pierce face for it.

The puzzling story broke yesterday about Burress accidentally shooting himself in the leg with a gun at a night club. Burress, the Giants' most talented but most controversial wide receiver, was already scratched for the Giants' game against the Redskins, and now may be out for the season due to the bullet wound.

The head scratching events do not stop there, as Antonio Pierce was also there when it happened. Pierce, who is the Giants' linebacker, reportedly tried to hide the weapon for Burress after it was fired.

It was illegal for Burress to even have the gun, since he has an expired gun license from the state of Florida. New York doesn't recognize gun permits from Florida in any case.

Though Burress only used the weapon on himself by accident, he can still be charged with carrying the illegal weapon. Pierce can also be charged for attempting to help him hide the gun, as his lawyer reportedly was working overtime to try and spare Pierce from any charges.

Pierce's car may still be searched if the cops get a warrant, but Pierce appears to be ready to cooperate fully with police in return for not being charged. Burress cannot be charged with anything until there is a warrant.

Burress's future with the Giants was shaky even before this incident. Earlier this season, Burress was suspended by Tom Coughlin for violating an unspecified team rule. The move won Coughlin praise for putting team above player, and made Burress more of a liability to the Giants.