GIANTS CUT PLAXICO BURRESS

Plaxico Burress is no longer the New York Giants’ problem.  And while his attorneys try to work out a plea deal to settle his felony firearms possession charges, Burress’ wanna-be thug affectations may have ended his NFL career.  Plax has been in hot water ever since he shot himself in the thigh while packing heat in the VIP area of a trendy New York nightclub, obviating the fact that he’s much more convincing as a football player than as a ‘gangsta’. 

The last straw was apparently a delay in the disposition of Burress’ case.  His case was adjourned on Tuesday to allow more work on a plea bargain deal.  Burress is due back in court on June 15^th, though he can appear sooner if a workable agreement is brokered. 

In announcing the decision to release Burress, Giants’ GM Jerry Reese suggested that the team had waited as long as they could to make a move:

"I am an optimist, and I believe most situations can be worked out. 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."

Plax’s attorney Benjamin Brafman indicated that he hadn’t spoken to his client since the move was announced.  He then continued with a feeble rant that included a veiled threat of legal action:

"My own view as a lawyer and a Giants fan is that the team made a huge mistake. He is a good man, a good football player and I only hope that with the benefit of hindsight the Giants don't ultimately regret this decision."

Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin sounded relieved as he wished Plax the best in his future endeavors:

"Plaxico's contribution to our championship season in 2007 can never be underestimated or undervalued. 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. He is a young man with a family who has a whole lifetime ahead of him, and I personally wish him and his family well."

The Giants have reportedly been shopping for another top level wide receiver, talking to Cleveland about Braylon Edwards and according to some sources to the Arizona Cardinals about Anquan Boldin who became disgruntled late in the year due to his secondary status in the team’s offense.