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It now looks certain that the U.S. legal system won't stop Plaxico Burress from playing in 2009. His weapons possession case has been delayed until Sept. 23, so it looks like that case won't be heard in court until next spring (he still needs to be arraigned, and a trial date needs to be set).
The only thing potentially stopping Burress from playing in all 16 games, therefore, would be a suspension imposed by Roger Goodell.
But how many games might Goodell suspend a player for a case that hasn't yet been heard in court? And factor in that Burress already was suspended by his team for the final five games of last season -- and also that any NFL suspension may result in the league having to deal with a lawsuit from Burress' attorneys.
When you look at the size of the suspensions imposed on Marshawn Lynch and Brandon Marshall and the scope of Burress' crime -- possessing a handgun -- it seems unlikely he'll be suspended more than two games. He might not be suspended at all.
On my board, therefore, I will move ahead under the assumption that Burress will start 14-15 games this year, and that he'll be playing for the Bears, Jets or Buccaneers. I think he'd be very good in Chicago (and maybe help that team win the NFC North). With the Jets, there's the issue of the team starting a rookie at quarterback. And Tampa Bay already has a pair of good pass catchers -- Antonio Bryant and Kellen Winslow.
If I were participating in a fantasy league today, I would probably select Burress about 20-25 receivers into the draft.
For more on Burress' legal situation, go to ESPN.com.
—Ian Allan
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