NFL football players and firearms...

[spin]

Firearms have become a popular means of protection for many NFL players. But the dangers of irresponsible gun use have taken center stage again, this time in the wake of Giants star Plaxico Burress' accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound last weekend, a shooting that has ended his season and drawn weapons charges in New York City.

*******snip********

The NFL frowns on guns. Its weapons policy "strongly" recommends that players not own them. Weapons are expressly prohibited on the premises of all NFL facilities and a number of other locations, ranging from places hosting team functions to team hotels.

But players can't be prohibited from legally possessing guns in other environments and having a concealed-weapons permit in states where that's legal. Given players' exorbitant salaries — and the public knowledge of their earnings — gun ownership can appeal to professional athletes.
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/article925096.ece

edited for formatting error

[Wapsie B]

1. I'm all for responsible gun ownership.

But what Burress did is anything but that. To carry a weapon like a gang-banger is mighty dumb.

[Idealism]

2. Also, carrying an unregistered gun without a permit was intelligent

[rocktivity]

3. The key word bieng "irresponsible."

While I have absolutely no quarrel with anyone whose gun ownership and use are within the proper legal guidelines, I do expect them know what those legal guidelines are. It was illegal of Burress to be carrying the gun, and just plain stupid of him to have it stuck in his waistband instead of properly holstered.

[jmg257]

4. Great interview on WFAN after this incident (Warren Sapp). Link added.

Touches the NFL policy re:guns, self-defense, Plaxico stupidity, NY vs FLA, Pierce actions/involvement ("drop the gun, take the cannolis"), how many own guns in the NFL, growing up on different sides of the track, he is going home at the end of the day, etc...


He pointed out how '90% of the NFL are country boys who grew up around guns-no big deal to own them, to shoot & hunt, own 12-14 guns etc.'

He also commented that most DO NOT worry about carrying in NYC because they are banned, so besides being illegal, they don't expect to be confronted if they get into an argument/fight. However in places like Florida, where odds are real good a scuffle could likely involve some local with a gun - he/they carry.


Interesting stuff!


edit: link

http://www.wfan.com/pages/870783.php "12-10 WARREN SAPP" down on left side. Starts talking about guns almost right off the bat.

[Captain Hilts]

5. I understand the desire to feel safe, to carry, and to have a posse...

but going into a club at 1am is exactly where you find the trouble the weapon and the posse are there to protect you from. Avoid those situations.

[rocktivity]

8. You stick weapon stuck in your belt in a place you're planning to DANCE?

:crazy:
rocknation

[Captain Hilts]

9. Outta the gene pool, Plaxico!

[gorfle]

6. The law is the law.

The law is the law. If your conscious tells you it is righteous and necessary to break the law then do so but be prepared to suffer the consequences. If enough people agree with you, you may spark a revolution. If not, you will be punished.

[DinahMoeHum]

7. It's a tangled web from state to state re firearms possession laws

What's OK in one state is not OK with another - which means it's too easy to run afoul of the law albeit unintentionally.

[spin]

10. Plaxico Burress had an expired Florida concealed carry permit...

which even if current would have made little difference in New York State as New York does not recognize Florida concealed carry permits.

Florida law prohibits carrying concealed in a establishment that serves alcohol.

Possession Restrictions for concealed carry:

any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0790/Sec06.HTM

So Plexico was in violation of New York State law, and would have been in violation of Florida law if he had been in Florida with a valid license.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

However, your point is valid. A confusing array of laws does exist from state to state. For example the Florida CCW permit is a weapons law, not merely a firearms permit. In Florida with my license, I can carry a concealed knife even a switchblade (auto knife) if I choose. If I travel to another state that recognizes and accepts my Florida CCW license, I may be able to carry a concealed firearm but may end up in trouble for my knife.

For the purposes of this section, concealed weapons or concealed firearms are defined as a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or billie, but the term does not include a machine gun as defined in s. 790.001(9)
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0790/SEC06.HTM&Title=-%3E2008-%3ECh0790-%3ESection%2006#0790.06

Many have suggested that we need a nation concealed carry license. Eventually we may end up with such a license but it is doubtful. Until then, an individual has to carefully research the laws in every state he plans to travel to and to be aware on the laws in his own state.