Let Plax Stay

I realize that this will not be a popular position but its my opinion and I am entitled. I agree with Brandon Jacobs. If Plaxico Burress is legally able to play next year, I think the Giants should bring him back. The Giants were a completely different team when Plax was out of the lineup. Jacobs even said it. They didn't have their identity and there was no time to really adjust their play calling to compensate for the absence of the 6 foot 5 inch wide receiver. But everyone knows that. The question is: What happens next year?

I have no way of knowing but I would imagine that Giant Leadership (Coughlin, Reese, Giant Owners) are ready to cast Burress away like last night's leftovers. Will Reese work his magic and find someone via the draft, trade or free agency to replace Burress? He's probably already looking at those possibilities. Knowing him, he'll be able to find the right guy. But I just don't think you get rid of Burress that quickly. Yes, Burress has been a royal pain in the ___. But with him being a pain, the Giants ran out to 11 wins in their first 12 games, a year after winning the Super Bowl on his touchdown. We later learned that Plax had been fined numerous times for his transgressions. But those transgressions were things like being late to or missing practice. That is important, don't get me wrong, but the Giants kept it quiet in order to keep the team together and it worked.

This situation with the gun is entirely different as far as the ramifications, but not entirely different as an indicator of what kind of guy Burress is. Plaxico is an immature, sometimes selfish guy, who I think needs to grow up. Is he a bad guy? I don't think so. His teammates swear by him. Is he a hardened criminal? I don't think so. Does he need someone to take him under their wing and show him the way? Yes. But I don't think he's a bad guy. He should not be carrying a loaded gun to a night club. That being said, there was no intent to harm anyone. This is not like Pac-Man Jones who is out there looking for trouble and he normally finds it. This is a guy who is just stupid. Those guys can be saved. Guys like Pac-Man, can't be saved. I say give Plax another chance. If he keeps messing up, then I'll have to eat crow and say let him go. But if Burress has to serve any time, this discussion becomes totally moot. What do you guys think? Am i way off base or on the mark? Let me know.