Plaxico Burress Should Be a Free Man

by Kevin BlackistoneFiled under: NFLOne day, he was as big a star in New York's sports galaxy as any. The next day, he was being jettisoned from it after being convicted of violating a federal law and faced with a possible jail sentence.I'm not referencing Plaxico Burress just yet, however. I'm talking about Yankees owner George Steinbrenner back in 1974. The shipping magnate turned baseball owner was busted for making illegal contributions to President Nixon's 1972 campaign.Steinbrenner, like Burress, agreed to a plea deal. Fourteen criminal counts against him were cut to one felony and a misdemeanor and The Boss wound up being fined $15,000 and never had to go behind bars. Fifteen years later, President Reagan, in one of his final acts, pardoned Steinbrenner.Burress won't be so lucky, but he should be. Olson: Justice Prevails in Plaxico Case | Burress Speaks Plaxico Burress Should Be a Free Man originally appeared on Fanhouse - Kevin Blackistone on Tue, 25 Aug ...