By Monica Lewis-Wilborn

A lot can happen in a year.

Just 10 months ago, Plaxico Burress made the game-winning catch in Super Bowl XLII, giving his New York Giants an upset win over the heavily favored New England Patriots. Now, it’s Burress who is on the losing end.

Days after shooting himself in the leg while at a New York nightclub, Burress received a season-ending suspension from the Giants. Adding insult to injury – literally – Burress now faces two counts of second-degree criminal weapon possession and a mandatory minimum 3 1/2- year prison sentence.

I’m no advocate of guns, but I am sure professional athletes feel a great sense of danger these days. Everybody knows they have money and, as the nation spirals deeper into a recession and unemployment rises, more and more desperate people may resort to crime to make ends meet. I’m sure Burress and other NFL players felt numb when Washington Redskins cornerback Sean Taylor was fatally shot in his Florida home by intruders looking to get rich quick in November 2007(Click here for story ESPN-Taylor dies after being shot at home.) Taylor’s death came months after Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams was killed as his limousine was sprayed with bullets following a New Year’s Eve party in downtown Denver (click here for story:ESPN-Williams killed when limo sprayed.)

In fact, since 1992, more than ten NFL players have been involved in shootings, with more than three suffering fatal injuries. So perhaps Burress was packing a sense of security while packing heat. I’ll give him that, but he wasn’t packing much sense. After the shooting, Burress checked himself into a New York hospital under an alias and, after his identify was revealed convinced the doctor treating him to keep mum. She did and, like Burress, she now finds herself out of a job.

New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg said Burress should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau laughed as he said prosecutors may be unwilling to take a plea deal because “we get meaner all the time.”

Months after reaching the Holy Grail of football, Burress is in need of divine intervention. If winning the Super Bowl was a dream, Burress is now in a nightmare and his recent track record can’t possibly help his case. Suspended one game earlier this season for violating team rules and fined $45,000 for various infractions, among them unsportsmanlike conduct, Burress’ personal life hasn’t been any rosier. In August and September, police responded to domestic disturbance calls at Burress’ New Jersey home. Temporary restraining orders were issued, but later dismissed by state courts.

A married father of one, Burress now finds himself in jeopardy of losing a career that has earned him millions of dollars and countless fans over the last eight years. And for what, because he felt like a target while hanging out seeking a good time? Ironically, a man who made a living eluding bone-crushing tackles and blows felt like he couldn’t possibly escape a dangerous situation off the field without carrying a gun. Now Burress must sit and hope he can dodge the law and pull off another amazing feat, reversing the backlash that has made him Public Enemy No. 1 in New York these days.

Earlier this year, Burress and his teammates were showered with a tickertape parade down Broadway. He even made it to the White House lawn, receiving accolades from President Bush for his Super Bowl performance. Today, newscasts continue to show the clip of a handcuffed Burress during his perp walk into New York’s 17^th police precinct for booking, looking more like a has-been than a hero.

Yes, it’s sad but true; a lot can happen in a year.

About the Author:Monica Lewis-Wilborn is a professional writer and public relations specialist with more than 12 years of communications experience. A graduate of Howard University and the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, she has written for ESPN The Magazine, the New York Post, BlackAmericaWeb.com and the Philadelphia Tribune. Possessing an array of interests, Monica enjoys focusing on sports, health care and urban affairs. She lives outside of Philadelphia, Pa. with her husband and daughter.

FWO:Forwomenonline.com

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