Many NFL players shudder when they think about what Plaxico Burress is going through — and what still awaits.
Players across the league think about how difficult his life has become. They think about how much worse it could have been. And they think about how — in a culture where athletes and guns seem to go together far too often — it easily could have been them.
Burress carried a loaded handgun into a Manhattan nightclub and it accidentally fired. The bullet hit him in the thigh, causing injuries that doctors said would keep him out for four to six weeks.
The New York Giants suspended Burress for the rest of the season, but his problems could grow. He has been charged with illegal weapons possession, a felony that requires three-and-a-half to 15 years in prison if convicted.
In the aftermath of the shooting, The Associated Press sent reporters into NFL locker rooms to ask players about guns. None condoned what Burress did. Most of them, however, could see why a player might want to carry a loaded handgun in public.
“We get paid a good amount of money for the sport, but we’re still kids,” said Tennessee Titans safety Chris Hope, who does not own a gun. “Most of us are 25, 26 years old and in the prime of our lives. We can’t enjoy the spoils God has blessed us with by going out and having a good time or going and traveling, buying nice clothes or jewelry, because you have to worry about looking over your shoulder.”
The NFL lifestyle is filled with big-time money and fame — and all the problems that go along with that. Personal safety is something many players think about every time they step outside their house.
Or sometimes while they’re still in the house. The death of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor, shot in the leg at his house by an armed intruder, brought the subject of the NFL-player-as-target to the forefront. The first anniversary of Taylor’s murder was last week.
“Especially after that incident, I think us ... high-profile players being able to carry weapons and being able to protect yourself, it’s a 50-50,” said Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ocho Cinco, who owns guns but doesn’t take them in public. “Because when you carry it, it weighs heavy if you get in trouble or you have to use it or it’s used against you. And then you can’t go anywhere because you attract. It’s hard.”
Hardly anyone would take a guess at how many players carried handguns, but a few said they believed some carried them more for show than protection.
“If they do, it’s dumb,” Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Patrick Surtain said. “But if you’re carrying it for protection, you have a right to.”
On the subject of the wisdom of owning a gun, some seemed to have learned from others.
“Nine times out of 10, I’m going to get in trouble, even protecting my life. That’s why I stopped carrying,” Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dennis Northcutt said. “I don’t want any more problems. You jack me, most likely you’re going to get my stuff.”
Would carrying a gun help in any of these situations?
“It depends on how you look at it,” St. Louis Rams cornerback Ron Bartell said. “Would you rather take your chances in a court of law or would you rather take your chances of putting me in a casket?”
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