The Plaxico Burress scandal is dominating the off-the-field headlines in the NFL this week. Burress turned himself in for carrying the illegal firearm that he shot himself with, and now will likely face criminal charges. The Burress story will now consume the New York Giants and serve as a distraction from their 11-1 record and Super Bowl frontrunner status. But more importantly, it serves as another chance to put super agent Drew Rosenhaus back in the spotlight.
Drew Rosenhaus took another opportunity to put himself in front of the cameras to speak for his clients last night. During halftime of the Jacksonville-Houston Monday Night game, Rosenhaus did his typical routine that is now very familiar to NFL fans.
Rosenhaus went on about how traumatic to hear that Burress shot himself, whether it was with an illegal gun or not. He also brought up the one year anniversary of Sean Taylor’s murder as a comparison, since he was a client of Rosenhaus as well.
Rosenhaus was extremely confident that the Giants and Burress would reconcile, saying that the Giants are just concerned about his health right now. The shot wound is expected to keep Burress out for the season, regardless of whatever punishment the Giants and the NFL may come up with.
Rosenhaus told ESPN that Burress would show up to Giants Stadium today for treatment. The media should be swarming around the stadium when Burress arrives, giving Rosenhaus another chance to talk for him, most likely.
The sight of Rosenhaus defending a controversial client in the NFL is nothing new. Rosenhaus first put himself into the national spotlight during the Terrell Owens contract dispute in Philadelphia.
Whenever Owens made a spotlight grabbing move or stunt, Rosenhaus was not far behind him when the cameras were rolling.
Rosenhaus is now the most well known agent for NFL players, representing over 100 players, and the most infamous. He also represents Arizona running back Edgerrin James, who is in the middle of trying to be bought out from the Cardinals. Kellen Winslow, the Browns’ injury prone tight end who squared off against his team earlier this season, is also a Rosenhaus client.
While Rosenhaus tries to smooth things over for Burress in the court of public opinion, Burress is still coming off being booked for weapons possession, having to post a $100,000 fine, and having Mayor Michael Bloomberg comment that he should be tried to the fullest extent.
Sources
Associated Press- “Giants talking about Burress’ future with the team” www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h3LI1Sk4-iyIt2hE7DqsEtqbVUDAD94QB4NO0
New York Times- “For Burress’ Agent, Concern Is Primarily Personal” www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/sports/football/02sandomir.html
Jock Life- “Plaxico Burress set bail at 100k and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, addresses the Monday Night Football audience” www.jocklife.com/eng/news/redirect.cfm
