Nov 30, 2008 7:56 am US/Eastern
Giants' Burress Accidentally Shoots Self In Leg
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants warms up for the game against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 23, 2008, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Az.
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
He's never been the model by which stars are measured, and his latest chapter is none-too-pretty.
Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress is recovering after apparently shooting himself at a Manhattan night club.
Now, police officers can't find the Super Bowl hero, a star with a new leg injury and a lot of explaining to do.
Sources say Burress fumbled with a gun inside the trendy LQ night club, near the VIP section, when the gun went off – sending a bullet into his thigh.
A witness who works at the club says the incident happened when security demanded that the gun be turned over.
Regulars to the club are shocked to learn the sports hero they call "Plax" is involved, but not at all surprised that security detected a weapon.
"Security is very, very tight. It's about 20 people, they are humongous, I don't know where they get these guys – all big and they tap you down," Sunset Park resident John Maldonado said. "It's mind-boggling to think someone got a gun in there."
There was no 9-1-1 call for the midnight shooting, because it appears the club goers were in the dark about what was happening and Burress got out fast.
He reportedly got himself to the hospital and was released around 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon. At no time while there was he interviewed by police.
Later Saturday afternoon, officers turned up at his home in Totowa, New Jersey, where a woman identified as his wife answered the door. But there was no sign of Burress.
Police said so far they've conducted no interview with Burress and there's no sign of the weapon.
The 31-year-old Super Bowl hero now has a lot of explaining to do.
Depending on the facts, Burress could face criminal charges and possible disciplinary action from the NFL.
"I feel bad for him – it's a tragic thing, but also its stupid," Giants fan Yamile Diaz said. "He will heal. Let's hope he stays a Giant."
The shooting is just the latest problem for the talented, but troubled, receiver.
Burress had already been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Redskins when the shooting occurred, and wasn't scheduled to travel with the team.
But now, his status for the future is the big question.
It's been a tumultuous 2008 for the Giants' star receiver.
His wife, Tiffany, obtained two restraining orders against him earlier in the year, but they were both thrown out.
In September, he was suspended for a game and fined by the Giants for missing a team meeting. He was also fined by the NFL in October for his conduct during a game against the 49ers.
The New York Giants released the following statement today:
"We are aware of the fact that Plaxico was involved in an apparent accidental shooting last night. We have been in contact with Plaxico since shortly after the incident. Plaxico suffered a wound to his right thigh…
"At this point, we are attempting to gather all the facts surrounding this incident. This incident could become a matter for law enforcement officials, and because of that, we have no comment on any of the details."
Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce was reportedly in the club with Burress on the night of the incident.
CBS 2's Dave Carlin and Sam Ryan contributed to this report.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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