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NFL Reviewing Plaxico Burress Shooting Incident

CBS News Interactive: Guns In America

NEW YORK (AP) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: New York Giants football player Plaxico Burress enters Manhattan Criminal Court March 31, 2009 in New York.
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CBS News Interactive: Guns In America

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has started his review of the Plaxico Burress shooting incident under the league's personal conduct policy.

The league confirmed Friday that Goodell was examining the incident in which Burress shot himself in the thigh in late November in a New York City nightclub. The commissioner could suspend him if he finds that the receiver violated the NFL policy on personal conduct.

Burress was notified of the commissioner's review on Friday by Adolpho Birch, the NFL's vice president of labor and law policy.

Burress, who caught the winning pass in the New York Giants' Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in February 2008, was released by New York in April. He has not been signed by another team.

Burress still faces charges of criminal possession of a weapon. He would face up to 3 1/2 years in prison if convicted.

His case was recently adjourned until September. Defense lawyer Benjamin Brafman and prosecutors have yet to agree on a plea deal.

While Burress is free to sign with any team, the unresolved legal matter seemingly has made teams reluctant to add the talented wide receiver. And even if Burress avoids jail time, Goodell has the power to suspend him under the NFL's personal conduct policy.

The Giants signed Burress to a five-year, $35 million contract extension in September. The team later withheld $1 million after the shooting and the NFL Players Association filed a grievance on Burress' behalf. A special master ruled the Giants had to pay Burress because the money was a signing bonus he earned upon agreeing to the contract extension and could not be withheld for future conduct.

Burress has 505 career receptions for 7,845 yards and 55 touchdowns in nine seasons with the Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.