Link: Defending Plax
Plaxico Burress’ star began to fade fast after the Super Bowl champ shot himself in the leg with his own gun and was charged with two felony weapon counts. Now much controversy surrounds Plaxico as if he were the second coming of Michael Vick. Goodell has since put down his iron fist and even now it seems Plaxico’s career will be cut short because of this mistake. Xander Diaz of GGN believes that having Plax on the team may not be as bad as once thought and letting “his talents escape would be a colossal mistake.”
Surfing the blog-o-sphere, it becomes apparent that there are many of you who think he isn’t worth the risk for the Jets.
I guess I am swimming alone on this one because I feel that letting Burress and his talents escape would be a colossal mistake.
From the mundane, Burress has had some 9 civil lawsuits filed against him since he started his NFL career, to the infamous, self-inflicted gunshot incident, there is no doubt about his penchant for attracting trouble….
True, Burress has seen his fair share more troubles than a leaking sieve but besides defaming his name, what has he really done to deserve to be outcasted from playing in the NFL? Apparently not much.
Outside of the embarrassment any organization might be expected to feel when one of it’s own becomes news media fodder for less than noble reasons, the hard truth is that his off-field antics have proven to be minor blips on the screen for both his teams and team mates.
Diaz goes on to note that despite Burress’ varying troubles, he has actually allowed teams to prosper. With the Steelers “Burress amassed 261 receptions for 4,164 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only six fumbles over a span of 71 games (5 years).” Additionally, Plax elevated “the game of others around him” [such as Hines Ward]. With the Giants he was hailed as a top WR hauling in the game winning touchdown in the Super Bowl and setting a franchise playoff record against the Packers all despite a nagging ankle injury.
His gun troubles really landed him in hot water and it seems that Plax has finally broke the camals back but still doesn’t he deserve his second chance? Rich Cimni pointed out last month that the idea of Plaxico joining Gang Green was “catching on.”
“We’ve got a strong locker room and a strong locker room can deal with, quote-unquote, guys like that,” tackle Damien Woody said ‘ at the Jets’ minicamp in Florham Park. “I don’t see any problem bringing in a guy like Plaxico.”
When you have guys like Lito Sheppard, Faneca, Cotchery and Woody pulling for this guy, you would have to think there is something special about Burress — something that we could only see if we looked beyond his troubles and paid more attention to what he leaves on the field: talent and heart. Criticize him all you want but, these are two Jet fans who would personally welcome Burress to the team.
7 Responses to Link: Defending Plax
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Marc says:
I haven’t heard this point being made yet, but it probably has.
Whatever team goes out on a limb and gives Plax a chance will undoubtedly be first in line for his services once this whole fiasco is over. In my opinion, losing him to a suspension or jail, and having to pay him for games he doesn’t play, is completely justifiable if it means having an edge later later.
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J Boogie says:
I gotta say I agree with Marc, although Goodell’s indefinite suspension blows cause there’s no telling when this is gonna get cleared up, with plax I think the pros of having him on the Jets would far outweigh the cons (assuming he’s staying in shape and taking care of himself.)
That being said I don’t think plax is the rogue no practice all talent wr he’s made out to be. I read an article (I believe espn the mag) back after their superbowl win that had him copping to the fact he keeps in depth notes about defenses and his own play against them to make sure he’s up on how he can play his best and, use that juicy info from the scouting report…
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David says:
I want Plax in a Jets uniform.
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Dean Barbella says:
When you look at the Pros & the Cons, Plax is a Con’s Pro and a Pro’s Con – brushing away defenses at the point of attack and flossing corners in the red zone.
That said, he might leave Jets with a bad taste, but until he does… Cotchery will feel cool minty fresh and wide open… just ask Hines Ward and Domenik Hixon.
Get Plax – Now with Retzin!!!
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Cabras says:
The guy is one transgression away from being indefinetely suspended, I doubt he will be in Green
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StvDoe says:
Any talk of Plax is pointless until his eligibility to play is set in stone. It makes no sense to sign a player in limbo.
FWIW, every time Plax comes up on TJB, I come out squarely on the side of signing him. But, Goodell has to state the NFL’s position. There’s no use in signing a guy that will be suspended indefinitely. IMO, Goodell is more of a worry than his criminal charges…he STILL hasn’t been indicted. I can’t see how his trial will be in calendar 2009.