Plaxico Burress to Get Out of Jail Free today

Plaxico Burress

Two and a half years after he committed what may be considered the stupidest thing in the entire history of boneheaded, off-the-field sports moves by shooting himself in the leg, former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress got out of a New York jail this morning.

Burress, who pleaded guilty to gun possession charge after shooting himself in the leg at a New York city nightclub in November of 2008, had been spending the past year and a half at the Oneida Correction Facility in Rome, New York.

And there has already been a buzz building about where the 34-year old receiver will play in 2011, if the NFL plays in 2011. The thing is, part of his release requires him to seek employment immediately. Right now, there is no employment in the NFL to seek.

We find it utterly fascinating that there is a "Countdown" clock in New York in that a phalanx of reporters from the New York area, along with ESPN all staked out the Correction facility for the "Extremely Brief" comment of him "Thanking God for getting him through one of the toughest times in my  life" from Burress.

While he was a good player, he certainly wasn't a "Game-changer" and not considered the "Elite" of the NFL. And yet he's being treated that way.

We think Burress, when the NFL returns, will get a shot with a team, who will overpay for him. He may have a productive year or two left, but time cannot possibly have been kind. Who knows, maybe he'll prove us wrong, but we don't think so.

The New York Daily News provides us a look at Plax's life behind bars:

Lawrence Taylor: Sex offender, gets 6 years probation

Lawrence Taylor/Courtesy: Harbus for News

From Hall of Famer to Sex Offender. Not exactly the extra title that former NY Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor wanted to have.

But have it he does.

Taylor was sentenced today after being caught sleeping with a teenage runaway, back in May of 2010. The official charge: patronizing a prostitute and sexual misconduct. He will be on probation for the next 6 years and will be officially labeled a sex offender, though a hearing is still scheduled to determine the level and whether or not he has to register.

Read the full story from the New York Daily News RIGHT HERE

It's a sad downfall for Taylor, who seemed to be getting his affairs in order coming off an appearance a couple of years ago on the TV Show, Dancing with the Stars. However the incident seemed to bring out the seedy side to the former star.

According to reports, Taylor had apparently called someone to arrange for the 17-year old to be brought to him in a Rockland County hotel. That's where they were busted.

His lawyer, today in court, apparently apologized to the girl, Taylor's family and fans in court. Taylor didn't say a word. The lawyer also said "He never wanted to tarnish his image". "Mr. Taylor readily accepts responsibility."

Really. He comes off, still, as an overage horn-dog. Trying to pay for a young girl to meet him at a hotel. Really? That's the best you can do? You should consider yourself lucky you aren't in jail. And his wife, should be checked mentally for ever having anything to do with him again.

Eagles comeback against Giants, what else can you say?

DeSean Jackson/Courtesy: phill.com

Not much. This was kind of mind boggling. Up 31-10, the New York Giants seemingly had their game vs. the Eagles in hand. There was somewhere around 7 minutes left in the game when the unthinkable happened. The Eagles came back. And they won

How did they win? Well, we are glad you asked. They melted. They fell apart. They literally did, everything you could possibly do to lose.

That and Michael Vick got hot. You could point to not playing for an onside kick or not keeping the outside lane shut down so Vick couldn't run away from them. But ultimately, the backbreaker was the last play of the game. Why punter Matt Dodge kicked the ball to DeSean Jackson may always be a mystery, but combine that with the fact that the Giants didn't cover the kick correctly and Jackson returned it for a touchdown, that will haunt Giants coach Tom Coughlin and his team for a long, long time.

New York Post, Page 6

Here is your written wrapup from Philly.com's Jeff McLane RIGHT HERE

Check out this opinion piece from Philly.com's Bob Ford RIGHT HERE

The New York view from NYPost.com and Paul Schwartz RIGHT HERE

Oh, by the way, did you see the "Class-less" cover of the New York Post sports page today? While we understand them not being happy about their team losing, really, is there a legitimate excuse for putting together an offensive cover like this?

Your game wrapup from FoxSports.com:

The return on video (until it's pulled), thanks YouTube:



DeSean Jackson speaks to Pam Oliver  of FoxSports after the game:

BREAKING: Metrodome Roof Collapses, Giants-Vikes Won't Play There...Detroit Instead...

The teflon roof covering the Metrodome's Mall of America field has collapsed due to heavy amounts of snow.

Around 5AM local time Sunday the roof of the "Dome" caved in far enough to where it was not visible from ground level.

The Metrodome was supposed to be the site of a "Sunday" football game between the Vikings and the New York Giants until the NFL offices rescheduled the game to Monday night.

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=ca15cffb-3b66-49a0-84ca-20ed0a175567" target="_new" title="">NFL on FOX: Metrodome collapse</a>

No word on a reschedule of the reschedule or any injuries...
More when we know more...

Here's video from very early this morning...
((HT: KARE-TV))


1015 UPDATE: According to Dennis McGrath of the Star-Tribune, the roof tore in three places shortly after 5 a.m., said Roy Terwilliger, head of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.

From McGrath:
In the meantime, the NFL, Vikings, Giants and Dome officials have held three conference calls -- two Saturday night and one early this morning.

"The NFL has a set procedure in their policy for when a facility is not available," he said.

"The only thing we can say right now is that it's not practical to have a game here today, tomorrow or even Tuesday," Terwilliger said.

1115 UPDATE: NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said via Twitter accountthat the league is considering playing the game at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus Monday night, or in another NFL domed stadium- most likely in Detroit, St. Louis, or Indianapolis.

"The facility -- we don't think sustained other damage to the seats or scoreboard or other structures," Terwilliger said.

Terwilliger said the focus now is on trying to get the Dome repaired in time for the December 20th game against the Chicago Bears.

1145 UPDATE: The NFL Network, through their sources, is saying the game will be moved to Ford Field in Detroit and will kickoff at 7:20 Monday night. The FOX network already had TV equipment in place there and it became the logical choice.

The game will be available to the Twin Cities, New York, and Rochester, Minnesota markets. It will also be available to Sunday Ticket subscribers.

Brandon Jacobs Hammer Throw Audition

((HT: NFL on NBC/Youtube))

Who knew that New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs had some inner Ken Flax in him...

Look it up, kids... that's what we're here for...

Jacobs, obviously a little more than hot since his Giants were getting boat-raced in Indianapolis last night, tried to chuck his helmet into the bench, but he missed...

Ten rows deep worth of "missed." If that's what you're inclined to believe...

Here's the aftermath... thanks to Football Night In America...


Jacobs apologized to a scrum after the game that included the NY Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano:

"I was a little mad, but to be honest with you, it was a mistake. I did not mean to do that and everybody who knows me knows I did not mean to do something like that. The whole world could fall down on me and I wouldn't have done anything like that."

"We were losing the game and I was mad. No one wants to lose, and I kind of lost my cool."

Uh, yeah... excpect a phone call from the league office across the river... and expect your next paycheck to be a litle lighter...

Lawrence Taylor: I'm not guilty!

The original LT's adventures in court continued this morning in New York. The NFL Hall of Fame linebacker and competitor on the sort-of reality show Dancing With the Stars, pled not guilty to charges that included 3rd degree rape.

More from the NY Post RIGHT HERE

Another version, from the Daily News RIGHT HERE

((LT...from a previous arrest//Courtesy: Miami-Dade Corrections))

The whole thing stems from an encounter on May 6th, where Taylor supposedly paid a 16-year old to have sex with him in a hotel room.

We think that the whole thing just smells bad. Taylor, according to comments in today's story seems to not take this too seriously. We remind him he's allegedly a married man...or was.

Maybe for people in the "Elite" rarefied air of an athlete, former athlete or alleged star, things like this are commonplace. But, to most people who live a normal life...its far from it. Ultimately, Taylor has and will pay a price for this...as well he should. (Wow...we just got all moral on his ass!)

Here's early coverage from our friends at WCBS-TV, it's only a quick VO since they're All Boss All The Time today...

Giants Pick, Ex-LSU Player Still In Hospital After Horrific Crash

New York Giants third-rounder and former LSU two-sport star Chad Jones has been hospitalized after a nasty ((understatement)) car accident.

LSU athletics spokesman Michael Bonnette says the former Tigers safety and baseball standout was injured in a single-vehicle accident in New Orleans on Friday.

The university says Jones was admitted to LSU Public Hospital in New Orleans in guarded condition. Jones' father, Al Jones, tells The Advocate of Baton Rouge that
his son was alert after the accident.

Jones suffered multiple fractures including shattering both his tibia and fibula, and had arteries and nerves exposed after he slammed into a streetcar pole

Here's the early word from our friends at WWL-TV


Juan Kincaid of WWL-TV relays the following from the Friday evening at the hospital after Jones was out of surgery and in a room able to visit with family: “He looked like Chad,” said his father, Al Jones, after seeing him the hospital. “The surgery was successful. I want to thank everybody for their thoughts and prayers, the numerous phone calls, text messages and e-mails…It just lets you know the type of person Chad is and how well loved he is.”

“It is just a matter of the healing process right now.”

Polar Super Bowl! Big Game to Big Apple....

Yes, that's right. The self-proclaimed media/social/sports epicenter of the universe will actually really be that for a week in 2014.

The "New" and improved Meadowlands stadium will host the "Big Game" that the general public only gets to see on TV. The NFL "Group" of owners announced today that the Giants and Jets will have the opportunity to host what would be considered the "1st" Outdoor cold-weather Super Bowl.

The New York Daily News has more RIGHT HERE

((New Meadowlands Super Bowl Photo Illustration//Courtesy: NY Daily News))

This, quite honestly was not much of a surprise. The league has made a concerted effort to award their "Marquee" game to teams and/or towns that are either (a) in warm weather locations or (b) just built a billion dollar, taxpayer funded palace.

We look forward to the national group of writers who traditionally cover this game and find even the smallest thing to bitch about in the host city. They have complained about such things as; Jacksonville being too small...and cold and the lack of transportation (taxi's) in pretty much every city they've been in.

Yes, there has been some consternation about the "Game" being ruined by the weather and potential for a "Blizzard". So what? Deal with it. That is what the league wants and quite honestly, seeing a game played on a field with a foot of snow on it might be kind of fun.

In the meantime, enjoy one of my favorite snow game highlights of all-time. The Thanksgiving Day game when Leon Lett cost Dallas a game against Miami on a snow-covered field. Thanks You Tube:

The Meadowlands Press Box goes boom!

This would have to fall under the category of just kinda cool. As most know, the Meadowlands Stadium, former home to the New York Giants, New York Jets and various other attempts at professional sports is being replaced with a brand new Billion-plus dollar stadium down the road.

Contractors have been gradually breaking down the old monolith. On Wednesday, they took down the old pressbox.

Enjoy the Video, big thanks to the Gramercy Group Demolitions, it's pretty cool to watch.

Taylor's Attorney speaks out...

Lawrence Taylor's attorney came out on the offensive today, vehemently denying that his client raped a 16-year old, who according to reports was beaten by her "pimp" in the Bronx and then delivered to Taylor's hotel room.

The attorney, Anthony Adelia, told USA Today that "Lawrence Taylor did not rape anybody" adding "Am I clear?".

USA Today has more RIGHT HERE

What Adleia didn't deny in an interview with WFAN radio is that his client apparently had "Some contact" with the alleged victim.

ESPN is also now reporting that the "pimp", one Rasheed Davis apparently told the 16-year old to tell Taylor that she was 19.

The New York Daily News sums things up RIGHT HERE

What hasn't been discussed in detail at this point is why Taylor seems to have attempted to find a prostitute in the first place. He did admit to police for paying $300 for the girl.

While most of reported or discussed the "What" in what happened, we are still waiting for the why. Either way it doesn't look good for Taylor. He may or may not end up being charged with rape. He seemingly will be charged with something and for someone with his track record, that can only lead to trouble.

Lawrence Taylor May Be In BIG Trouble

***BREAKING NEWS***
Former New York Giants Linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor is sitting in jail right now.

He was arrested by Ramapo Police after being accused of raping someone at a Hotel in Montebello, NY.

The story from CBS2 in New York RIGHT HERE

((LT from his playing days//Courtesy: natalielefler.wordpress.com))

***UPDATE 12:49pm***

Apparently the woman in question was a 15-year old. She was escorted to the hotel according to the police report...by a "pimp".

More details from lohud.com RIGHT HERE
lohud.com also gives us the Press Release RIGHT HERE

1600 UPDATE: Taylor has been charged with third-degree rape and patronizing a prostitute in an assault on a 16-year-old runaway who was, according to police, brought to his suburban New York City hotel room against her will.

Police say the victim was 16, one year below the legal age of consent in New York.

Taylor's attorney, Kenneth Gribetz, says he is confident his client will be proven innocent. Ramapo ((NJ)) Chief of Police Peter Brower says Taylor paid the girl $300. He wouldn't comment on whether Taylor knew how young she was, but he said, "Ignorance is not an excuse to an individual's age."

1635 UPDATE: Taylor and attorney Arthur Aidala appeared in court for close to 30 minutes Thursday afternoon. Bail was agreed for $75,000 after an initial prosecution request for $100,000.

A protection notice on behalf of the complainant, known as "CF" in court documents, was issued for a 6-month time period. The next meeting for the case between parties is set for June 10.

Here's nine minutes or so of court dickering, thanks to our friends at NBC New York ((HT: WNBC-TV))

Plax Heads to the Big House

It was a formality, but today former New York Giants Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress was sent off to serve his prison sentence. The judge in his case sentenced him to what we all were told he would, 2 years, with a possibility of parole after 20 months.

The New York Times has a nice summary of what was said and done HERE .

The New York Daily News follows Plax and asks if he is working on a reality show HERE .

We'd be remiss if we didn't offer the New York Post's story HERE .

It's a pretty long fall from grace for Burress who, 2 years ago was the toast of the Football world, helping his Giants win the Super Bowl. The original incident, where he ended up shooting himself in the leg happened almost a year ago. Burress who is currently 32 years old hopes he'll get an opportunity to return to the NFL after he has done his time. He probably will, but his best years may already be behind him.

We give you a "Sort of" video version of the story courtesy of the New York Post...(at least someone voiced over a large group of photos anyway):

Plaxico Burress hires "Prison Consultant"

Plaxico Burress has retained the services of a prison consultant to give the former NFL receiver the scoop of life behind bars.

Burress' attorney, Benjamin Brafman, told the New York Post, "We are consulting with an expert in the field who will address and advise us, Mr. Burress and his family, on what to expect while incarcerated, and how to use his period of confinement as productively as possible,"

That's some of the best lawyer speak I've heard in a long time. I hope the first thing Plax's prison consultant tells him is by no circumstances get into a 3-point stance. It could be painful. By the way, how much does this "prison consultant" charge? Did #7 have a prison consultant before he was incarcerated.

Burress plead guilty to attempted weapons possession or as we say here at the OSG HQ, utter stupidity, and will serve 2 years in prison. He can have 3 months and 14 days shaved off his sentence if Plax is a good boy behind bars.

Photo Courtesy: New York Post

Burress Goes to Jail

In a bit of a surprise today, former New York Giant Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress accepted a plea bargain and will spend the next two years of his life in jail. You'll remember, Burress somehow managed to shoot himself in the thigh in a New York City nightclub last year. He had been fighting the charges brought against him, which is why the plea deal was a bit of a surprise.

The story from the New York Daily News here .

((Plaxico Burress Photo//Courtesy: Giancarli/Daily News))

Burress is eligible for parole in about 20 months. He apparently was facing a minimum 8-game suspension from the NFL had he tried to return this season. Obviously now...that ain't happening.

It's a very quick fall from grace for Burress one of the stars of the Giants Super Bowl winning team from just 2 years ago. The saddest part is that he shot himself, we don't totally understand why he was carrying in the 1st place, something that will get you in "DEEP" trouble in New York City if you get caught. Oddly, had he not shot himself, he probably wouldn't have gotten caught.

It will be interesting to see what will be left of an NFL Career for him to salvage when he gets out. Stay tuned...we will.

I Know It's Preseason Football But... What A Great Finish

How many football fans out there check out of pre-season games after the 1st quarter, show of hands please..... That's what I thought.

This play by the Giants Tommie Hill might change you mind. With the game tied at 17-17 with :10 left Legar Douzable and Hill make the play to win the game for big blue.

(Thanks ESPN/Youtube.com)



Those of us at the OSG HQ say Douzable and Hill should make the team.

Eli finally tops Peyton

It looks like little brother may take one title from his older sibling. Eli Manning has apparently agreed to a mammoth contract from the New York Giants. The contract would make him the highest paid player in the NFL. Estimates are ranging from $96-$110 million dollars for 6 years. The official terms and for that matter, the agreement haven't been announced publicly yet, but it is being reported all over the place.

Check out the NY Daily News Story here .

((Eli's Comin'//Photo Courtesy-Elsa/Getty Images))

Eli does have the same amount of Super Bowl wins as his brother Peyton...One. He is however not quite thought of the same way in terms of the eliteness of his quarterbacking skills. While certainly a solid performer, he hasn't lit up scoreboards and Fantasy Football leagues like his brother either.

But hey, give him credit. In a time where nobody seems to be making much money, he is now set for life. Look at it this way. Over the next 6 years he will be worth almost the same amount as the Phoenix Coyotes (Yeah...I said it!)

Check out some brotherly love right here: Courtesy of the You Tube

Harris Smith Indicted, Pierce Luckier Than Plax

((HT: NYPost))

Plaxico Burress, who caught the winning touchdown pass for the Giants in the 2008 Super Bowl, was indicted today on gun possession charges. Linebacker Antonio Pierce was let off the hook.

The former giants wide receiver ((pictured, thanks Chad Rachman/NYPost)) was indicted on two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, class C violent felonies.

He also was indicted on a reckless endangerment charge in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor.

He faces as many as 15 years in prison.

"At the time the defendant shot himself, he was not licensed to carry or possess that pistol in either New York or New Jersey, where he had a home," Manhattan DA Robert Morgenthau said in a statement.

"In this case, we conducted a thorough investigation and then presented the evidence to the grand jury, which evaluated the facts under the applicable law," he added. "The case required a more protracted investigation than does a typical weapons possession case given the number of witness and the need to investigate events both before and after the shooting."

The charges stem from a November incident when Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg in a Manhattan nightclub.

Officials say Pierce was at Burress' side the night of Nov. 29 in the VIP vestibule at Latin Quarter. When the gun went off, Pierce sprang into action to save his teammate's life -- driving the bleeding, trembling Burress to the hospital, said his lawyer, Michael Bachner.

Both men testified before the grand jury last week.

Burress spent three hours in front of the 23 grand jurors, saying he was sorry about bringing his loaded, unlicensed Glock into the nightclub.

"I was truthful. I was honest," Burress said after his testimony. "And I'm truly remorseful for what I've done, for what happened, for what I did."

Giants President John Mara expressed support for Pierce but was noticeably silent on Burress.
"We certainly agree with the grand jury's decision," Mara said.

"We said last week we felt strongly that Antonio's actions did not warrant criminal charges, and obviously the grand jury, having heard all of the testimony, felt the same way."

Coach Tim Coughlin echoed Mara.

"As I said yesterday, we are anxious to start the new season, nobody more than Antonio," he said. "Today's decision allows him and this team to move forward and focus on our preparation for the season."

WAVY-TV in Newport News has local coverage of the indictment.

Sports Director Bruce Rader is in studio...

Burress Testifies In Front Of Grand Jury

((HT: ESPN))

Plaxico Burress testified for nearly three hours Wednesday in front of a grand jury that is investigating weapons charges against him and told reporters outside that he was sorry for his actions.

The former Giants wide receiver, who shot himself in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub in November now will wait for the grand jury's vote on whether he will be indicted.

"I was truthful, I was honest, and I'm truly remorseful for what I've done and for what happened," the 31-year-old Burress said outside of a Manhattan courthouse.

Burress is charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 3½ years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $100,000 bail. The Giants released the receiver in April.

His attorney, Benjamin Brafman, said the one-time Super Bowl star wanted to address the grand jury, adding his client stressed in his testimony that the gun was not used in the commission of a crime and that he was the lone victim.

"I agreed that in order to humanize him they needed to see who he was and what this man was about," Brafman said, adding, "He asked the grand jury for compassion and understanding. I think it took a big man, not just physically, but a big man to come here today and acknowledge his responsibility and ask for the compassion of the people who he testified before."

Brafman contends that Burress' gun was registered in the state of Florida and that "my client was under the impression that the same was the case in the city of New York."

Brafman said he hopes that Burress' testimony will serve to balance out some of the comments made Monday by Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, whom Brafman characterized as having "a lapse in judgment" by speaking publicly about the Burress case while the case is in front of the grand jury.

Morgenthau told the New York Post that Burress was willing to agree to spend a year in jail, but prosecutors insisted on two, the newspaper reported.

"We've always taken the position that he's going to have to go to jail, whether by trial or by plea," Morgenthau said, according to the Post.

Burress, who caught the winning touchdown in the final minute of the 2008 Super Bowl, also could face disciplinary action by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell under the league's personal conduct policy. Burress has yet to sign with another team and Goodell's office announced in June that the league already had started its examination of the shooting.

Here's Chris McKendry tossing to Sal Paolantonio in front of the courthouse...

Oh, Danny Ware...

The lights, the lights are callin'...
And, by that, we mean the red and blue flashing ones...

You see, the New York Giants had a bye week ((much to the chagrin of a lot of fantasy owners)), and former UGA footballer Danny Ware decided to return to Athens to catch the Alabama game.

The folks at Online Athens pick up the story from there...

"Officers arrested the world champion New York Giants running back on an alcohol charge as he joined other Georgia Bulldog fans who wallowed in the aftermath of Saturday night’s defeat to the Crimson Tide of Alabama."

You see, he and the girl that was with him felt compelled to stand in the middle of the road and not move from that particular spot...

Like the mug shot...? ((Thanks, onlineathens.com))
We like the stickers that stayed on all night long...
But that's just us...