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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 4:41 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2009

NFL: Plaxico Burress' gun case adjourned

SAMUEL MAULL
Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK — A gun possession case against New York Giants star Plaxico Burress was adjourned Tuesday until June, but his attorney said the matter could be resolved sooner if a plea agreement can be reached.

Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg with an unlicensed gun at a Manhattan nightclub last year.

The star receiver, wearing a gray suit and a light blue shirt, arrived at Manhattan Criminal Court in the company of his wife and his attorney, Benjamin Brafman.

Both sides agreed to adjourn the case to June 15 following a brief hearing before Judge Michael Yazinsky. Burress' bail was continued.

Prosecutor John Wolfstaetter told the judge that the prosecution was continuing its investigation.

Brafman told reporters after the hearing that he had reached no plea agreement with prosecutors and said discussions were continuing. If the two sides reach an agreement, they will not necessarily wait for the scheduled court date, he said.

"If the case needs to be advanced to an earlier date it will be ...We are continuing to work our respective investigations, stay tuned," he said.

Asked whether Burress would play for the Giants this year, Brafman said, "It's not my decision. It's the Giants' decision and Plaxico's decision. It's not a legal decision, it's a sports decision.

"I assume a lot will depend on how, when and if this case is resolved and June 15th is the next day we are back unless there is a reason to come back earlier."

A person with knowledge of the case said Monday that Burress' attorneys and prosecutors have been in discussions about a deal but remain at odds over the terms.

Burress is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a felony carrying a minimum prison sentence of 3½ years upon conviction.

AP Sports Writer Tom Canavan contributed to this report.