Burress faces judge, has local support

CHESAPEAKE, Va - Plaxico Burress - New York Giants wide receiver spent his Monday going from a police station to a courthouse. The Virginia Beach native faced a judge on weapons charges after accidentally shooting himself early Saturday morning at a nightclub.

Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Felicia Mennin set bail at $100,000 and ordered Burress to return March 31.

Defense lawyer Benjamin Brafman argued for no bail, saying, "He has 35 million reasons to come back to court," referring to his $35 million contract with the Giants.

Prosecutors also released a criminal complaint that provides a witness account from the club where the New York Giants wide receiver shot himself.

A witness heard a popping sound before Burress' legs began to shake. It says the person saw a bloody pistol fall out of his pant leg and land on the floor.

If convicted, Burress could face 3 1/2 to 15 years in jail.

Burress' former coach from Green Run High School, Cadillac Harris told WAVY.com he hopes the criminal fallout will not be too severe.

Harris who now coaches at Indian River High School in Chesapeake said, "He has no prior record. He's never done anything of a criminal nature. He's made some mistakes and publically owned up to it."

Across Hampton Roads, people who know Plaxico Burress say they are praying for the man who has a special place in their hearts.

Jackie Andrews with the Christian non-profit organization "United In Him" is one of them.

She told WAVY.com, "I love him, I really do. He's a really genuine guy and he really has a humble heart."

Andrews was with Burress last week while he volunteered to give food and time to the kids living in his old Beach neighborhood.

"He was just like 'I want to bless them.' He didn't want the media and a lot of attention. He just want, he remembers where he came from," she said.

Looking ahead, both Harris and Andrews believe good will come from Burress' current situation.

"Overall, I think Plaxico is going to be higher. I think he's going to be stronger. He's going to make better decisions for him and his family because he loves his wife and he loves his family," Andrews said.

Harris said, "As I text messaged him, I said 'God is trying to tell you something.' Maybe this will lead to something. Maybe He has some more things for him to do, more positive things. This might just be a lesson, a hard lesson."