Breaking News: New York Giants Release WR Plaxico Burress

Step one of what is hopefully a three-step process has been undertaken by the New York Giants.

One: Release Plaxico Burress

At 2:24 CST today, Burress was released by the Giants.

They finally decided to cut ties with the embattled wideout. After dealing with all the issues that came with Burress, the Giants said enough is enough.

Burress signed a six-year, $25 million contract in '05. Since that time, he has had numerous fines levied against him for a total of $40,000, for actions like inappropriate comments about officiating and verbal abuse of a head linesman.

In October, the wideout was suspended from the team for violating team rules. Burress has also had two restraining orders brought against him, stemming from a domestic disturbance call to the police.

Then came the shot heard around the world. On Nov. 28, 2008, the troubled player was carrying an unlicensed firearm in a New York night club. Somehow, the weapon went off and he shot himself...yes, he shot himself...in the thigh, effectively ending his season.

Two: Burress will be charged for the incident

In New York, carrying an unlicensed firearm in public carries a minimum 3.5-year prison sentence.

Part of me thinks he will get a plea deal and end up spending no time in jail. That would be ridiculous, since everyone else in New York would have already been charged and sentenced. New York State needs to make an example out of Burress and send him to jail.

Three: After three years in jail, no one will want him

If he is charged and put in jail for three years, he will be out of football shape, and no team needs a 34-year-old wide out.

It is a shame what he has done to himself. I have no sympathy since he thought he was bigger than life. Eventually, everything you do will catch up with you, and it will bite you in the ass.