Insanity

Doing the same thing and expecting a different result is the essence of insanity. Five years ago, New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg while carrying an unregistered firearm into a New York City nightclub without a conceal carry permit. New York has the most restrictive and punitive gun laws in America. The end result was Burress spending close to two years in prison for shooting himself.

To quote a famous New York rapper, the late Biggie Smalls, “If you don’t know, now you know.” Anyone not familiar with the semi-Draconian punishments for gun crimes saw first-hand what the consequences are for ignorance and violation of those laws. Gun owners were on notice.

Plaxico Burress circa 2009. Nobody else would follow in his tracks after his ordeal, right? 1

Shame on Ray-Ray

New York Knicks guard Raymond Felton was arrested earlier this week on three felony gun possession charges. Felton allegedly threatened his wife, who he is in the process of divorcing, with a unregistered firearm classified under New York law as an assault rifle with an 18-round capacity magazine. The magazine capacity is over the limit allowed by the law and possession of assault rifles is prohibited. He now stands accused of assaulting someone with this weapon.

Felton is looking at some hard time. I’ve heard talk show hosts say that the situation may not be as serious as the Burress situation because the weapon was not discharged and because it was not brought out in public. However, based on my very limited understanding of New York law, threatening his wife with the gun would constitute a felony under the law and possession of the weapon (which appears to be illegal in and of itself in New York) while committing a felony would trigger some automatic time in prison.

Felton (left) and wife the former Ms. Ariane Raymondo. Things have clearly turned sour in Casa de Felton. 2

Third Time Is a Charm

If you live in New York, you probably would be better served by just getting rid of your gun. Otherwise, have every piece of paperwork under the sun at your disposal. Here is another tip: unless someone is trying to kill you, don’t touch your gun; don’t even think about your gun. The State of New York isn’t “playing” regarding gun possession. 

Athletes, wittingly or not, are role models. Burress and now Felton have set an excellent example to fans (and other pro athletes) of what not to do. They are public examples of how disregard for New York gun laws will ruin your life. I like guns; I own guns. But if I ever lived in New York, I would be gun free. The risks do not outweigh the rewards. If you feel otherwise, please start at the beginning of this posting.

I guess history does repeat itself. Ray, put a suit on the next time you're in court! 3

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1) Image from www.nj.com

2) Image from www.blacksportsonline.com

3) Image from www.nytimes.com