Former New York Giants and Pitssburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress was released from prison on Monday after having served a two-year sentence on a gun charge.
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The 33-year-old Super Bowl champion was visibly elated to be out and back with his family after he left Oneida Correctional Facility in Rome, New York on Monday morning.
"It's a beautiful day," Burress said to reporters. "It's a beautiful day to be reunited with my familyI want to go home and spend some quality time with them.
"I'd like to thank everybody for their prayers and words of encouragement. I'd like to thank all my fans all around the world for the thousands of letters, for their unwavering support. As far as football is concerned, if and when everything is settled and when they get back on the field, I'll be ready."
Burress has not played football since back in November 2008. That year, he accidentally shot himself in the thigh in a New York City nightclub. In September 2009, he entered prison to serve a 2-year sentence.
But Burress has been released three months early for good behavior.
According to a report from ESPNNewYork.com, "Burress will be on parole for two years. He has to get and keep a job, undergo substance abuse testing, obey any curfew established by his Florida parole officer, support his family and undergo any anger counseling or other conditions required by his parole officer."
As for his future in the NFL, Plaxico's agent Drew Rosenhaus says that his player is ready to go and will have some good options.
"We are going to be open to all 32 teams," said Rosenhaus on Monday. "Ultimately, this will be Plax's decision, not mine. I am here to help him pick the best spot and get the very best contract. And that is what we will do … Before the lockout started and during that very brief window, right around the time of the draft, the feedback was excellent. Plaxico is going to be a top free agent, there are going to be multiple teams interested in signing him. I expect him to get a good contract, I expect him to absolutely be playing. I think he'll be coveted. He'll be one of our top free agents."
Various athletes sent their good wishes to Burress on Monday.
Former Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce tweeted the following message a few hours before Burress was released: "17.. Time well over due.. Great teammate, friend, person and better yet Man. Always a Champ.. Only 1 way to go ... Back to the TOP."
Miami Heat stars Dwyane Wade and LeBron James also wished Burress well.
Wade tweeted, "1st I'm happy for Plaxico Burress that he can b reunite with his love 1s that I'm sure he missed more than football .. but as a Bears fan i would love to c him in a Bears uniform."
LeBron tweeted, "Welcome home Plaxico! Best of luck in the near future both on and off the field. #17 Jersey coming to a city near u."
(Sources: ESPNNewYork.com)
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