Plaxico Burress Has Court Date Pushed Back; Are Jets In Horizon?

The strange case of Plaxico Burress' illegal gun possession charges dating from November continues its twists and turns.

First, Burress wouldn't accept several plea deals that could have reduced a possible sentence; now Judge Felicia Menin pushed back the trial to September 23, meaning that Burress could explore the possibility of signing with an NFL franchise.

However, there are still other legal obstacles in the way. The NFL is expected to lay down a severe suspension for his conduct that could cost him at least four games at the start of the season. There is precedent for this; the NFL suspended Michael Vick before his trial once word got out about his organizing a dog fighting ring from his home.

The New York Jets are one of the few teams that have expressed a great deal of interest in Burress. The club is in dire need of a wide receiver with the ability to stretch the field and make tough catches in the corner of the end zone.

Once the trial commences on September 23, it could get really interesting, especially if Burress is allowed to play with an NFL team. The receiver is still facing the likelihood of 3 1/2 years in prison for possessing an illegal weapon. If he is sentenced this fall, it will end his time with any franchise; instead he will be spending the holidays behind bars.

Right now, he has pleaded not guilty and is free on $100,000 bail. Story.