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Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the right thigh and spent a night in hospital, another dramatic turn in a tumultuous season in which the star New York Giants receiver has been fined and suspended.
The Giants said the shooting happened Friday night and he was released from the hospital early yesterday. The team did not say which hospital Burress went to or how badly he was injured.
However, a team official told Associated Press that Burress shot himself at a nightclub. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the team was still trying to sort out all the facts.
"Our primary concern is for Plaxico's health and well-being and, given the circumstances, we are relieved to say he was released from a New York City hospital," the Giants said in a statement.
New York City police said they were investigating whether the incident took place at Latin Quarter, a sprawling 15,000-square-foot, two-storey restaurant and club located in the Radisson Lexington Hotel in midtown Manhattan.
Police added that they have not spoken to Burress or recovered the gun used in the shooting.
Newsday reported Burress has a concealed weapon permit from the state of Florida that expired in May 2008. It is unclear if the permit was renewed; such a licence can be renewed up to six months beyond the expiration date in accordance with section 790.06(11)(a) of Florida Statutes.
However, the states of New York and New Jersey do not recognize permits from Florida, so Burress could be charged in the incident.
The NFL also is likely to investigate whether Burress violated its personal conduct policy, which might lead to a suspension.
Burress injured a hamstring two weeks ago against the Baltimore Ravens. The Giants said Friday he would not play against the Redskins. He was shot less than 12 hours later.
