Burress posts $100,000 bail

Next hearing March 31; Giants weighing their options

Taken to court in handcuffs, Plaxico Burress posted $100,000 bail on weapons possession charges Monday as the frenzy grew around the New York Giants star receiver who accidentally shot himself in a nightclub.

Authorities said teammate Antonio Pierce was being investigated over his role in the weekend shooting, and the Super Bowl-champion Giants weren't sure what action they would take, if any, against Burress. The NFL said it was monitoring developments.

Burress shot himself in the right thigh in the VIP section of the Latin Quarter nightclub in Manhattan about 1 a.m. Saturday, police said. He did not have a permit to carry a handgun in New York.

A witness reported hearing a popping sound before Burress' legs began to shake, according to a criminal complaint. It said the person saw a bloody pistol fall out of his pant leg and land on the floor before Burress said "Take me to a hospital."

It's believed Pierce took Burress to a car and then left with him, according to police. Burress was treated at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and released later Saturday.

Burress was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, which could result in a prison sentence of 3 1/2 years to 15 years if he is convicted. He was not required to enter a plea Monday and is due back in court on March 31. Burress did not say anything in court.

Benjamin Brafman, his defense lawyer, said Burress is feeling OK.

"If they let him play, he will be able to play," Brafman said.

The Giants have not decided what to do with Burress, who was suspended for a game and fined earlier this season for missing a team meeting in September. New York could either suspend him again or deactivate him for Sunday's game at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. There are more extreme actions, such as releasing Burress, but that could put a strain on the team's salary cap next season.

The shooting occurred as Burress somehow fumbled his gun and it discharged, hitting his leg.

Pierce was with Burress when that occurred, police said. The weapon was eventually recovered at Burress' house in New Jersey, authorities said.

BARBER 'DAY-TO-DAY': Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber were not at practice Monday.

Coach Wade Phillips said both were "day-to-day." Ware, the NFL sacks leader, has a hyperextended left knee, and Barber has a dislocated right little toe.

Phillips expected Ware to practice this week but was less certain about Barber.

BROWNS DOWN TO THIRD QB: Derek Anderson's season is over, yet another slap for the down-on-their-luck Cleveland Browns.

Anderson, who got his starting job back only when Brady Quinn was injured, tore a ligament in his left knee Sunday.

Anderson will not need surgery. Ken Dorsey will start Sunday.