Professional Athletes and Hand Guns

It's difficult to sympathize completely with Plaxico Burress who allegedly shot himself in the thigh while attempting to rescue a spilled drink. Surely we don't wish anyone to suffer physical pain, regardless of the circumstances, but why was this man carrying a handgun, without a proper permit in the first place? And isn't the weapon equipped with a safety feature to prevent accidental discharge? If so, was it engaged?

Mayor Blomberg of New York apparently wants to make an example of Mr. Burress. But why single him out? Perhaps because he's a role model to some young people? Even if he is, that is not justification in my view. What about the many other individuals who violate the gun laws every day and never serve a day in confinement?

Burress has already been punished by his employer, the New York Giants. He will not play another game this season, and, I would guess, never again. This escapade is merely the latest in a series in which his conduct can justifiably be described as "detrimental to the team".

In all fairness he deserves to be punished by the state as well. But let's not "throw the book" at him, especially if his prior record is clear.

There's also a larger issue here, which is more important than any individual case. That is that a majority of professional athletes reportedly carry handguns. The reason usually provided is that they are, for the most part, recognizable, and tend to carry a large amount of cash. It is a fact that a number of them have been robbed at gunpoint, most recently Giants wide receiver Steve Smith. As our economy continues to deteriorate will these events become more prevalent? Will they extend to other people in the public eye? Celebrities in general? Will we become a gun toting society?

This is a serious issue that must be addressed by those in power. And the time is now.

-- Daniel