Giants Receiver Burress Reportedly Facing Felony Gun Charges, Retains Attorney

November 30, 2008 9:19 p.m. EST

Landover, MD (AHN) - As if it isn't bad enough to shoot yourself in the thigh, imagine getting sent to the slammer just as you get released from the hospital.

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress will indefinitely be charged with felony criminal possession of a firearm this week after accidentally shooting himself in the left thigh Friday night.

Burress and teammate, linebacker Antonio Pierce, were enjoying a night out at legendary New York night club Latin Quarters Friday night when Pierce noticed that the gun Burress was carrying had slipped down his leg.

While trying to retrieve it, the gun went off and sent a bullet grazing through Burress's right thigh.

Burress hired attorney Benjamin Brafman and will be turning himself in Monday morning on felony gun charges.

The 31-year old had a concealed-weapon permit issued to him in Florida but records reportedly show it expired in May.

New York also does not recognize out-of-state gun permits.

Brafman, well known for defending mobsters and other high-profile figures, said Burress "will enter a plea of not guilty."

Pierce played in Sunday's game against the Redskins while Burress is expected to recover from the injury soon, as the bullet did cause any major damage.

Both players could face suspensions and fines for the incident under the NFL's personal conduct policy.

"Our primary concern is for Plaxico's health and well-being, and given the circumstances, we are relieved to say he was released from a New York City hospital," the team said in a statement.

The Giants are considering placing Burress on the non-football injury reserved list, which would make him ineligible for the remainder of the season, sources said.

It also would allow the Giants to recover some money already paid to Burress, who earns approximately $100,000 per game.