Today Plaxico Burress was sentenced to 2 years in prison and another 2 years of probation after that.  As you probably already know this stems back from when he accidentally shot himself in a Manhattan night club.  He was sentenced on one count of attempted criminal possession of a weapon, which is a lesser charge than what he was initially facing. (part of the plea).

Anyways, in your opinion...is this punishment just?

I think this is an extremely harsh penalty.  Hadn't he been a celebrity he probably would've only received a slap on the wrist.  However, since the mayor and D.A. got involved the penalty was overly harsh.  Plaxico had no intent to use the weapon; he only used poor judgment carrying it in sweatpants.  Not one single person reported the incident after it happened.  No one from the night club or the hospital.  Only when the story leaked did the mayor jump on it, and request that Plaxico be punished to the fullest extent.  The guy’s life for 2 years will be spent behind bars.  Basically wasting away his career.  When Burress gets out he will be 34 years old, and 3 full seasons removed from playing football.  Then he'll have to face Godell.  The way the commissioner dishes out punishments Burress might miss yet another year after his release from prison.  Aside from football is Burress will miss the birth of his daughter.  Only through glass will he be able to communicate with his wife and soon to be little baby girl.  All this for accidentally shooting himself.  Burress had no criminal records of any kind, and yet he is being punished like he is a life-long thug.  I feel for the guy and hope he can make it through this difficult time. 

Sometimes being a celebrity isn't a good thing.  I am willing to bet my boat that if he was an average Joe that there would be no jail time involved. 

I agree with you somewhat.  I think he should have to serve jail time.  But you are right in that 2 years is a little harsh.  If he weren't a "celeb" he probably would have never been caught, so you are right in that this hurt his chances of getting out of trouble.

The thing is though he broke the law and has to pay the price.  It's a shame that another player at the height of his career has to go behind bars.  When are athletes going to learn; that everything they do is monitored, and that everyone is looking to take them down.  You have the money so hire a bodyguard for protection, a limo service to avoid DWIs, and an advisor to consult you on what you should and should not do.