Giants Suspend Burress for Rest of Regular Season

"After the events in question, Mr. Pierce did what any other reasonable person would do under the circumstances, he hired counsel," attorney Michael Bachner said. He said he hasn't been notified that Pierce will be charged.

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, left, leaves the courthouse with his lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, in New York, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Burress appeared in court on weapons possession charges. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

(AP)

"Mr. Pierce, given the extraordinary circumstances of that evening, acted responsibly in trying to save what could have been the life of a friend," Bachner said.

The episode has frustrated police from the start. Officers said they were promised by NFL officials Monday that Pierce would appear for questioning, but he still hasn't.

Police said Tuesday that the Giants did send two trainers and an official who deals with player issues, who provided information about the shooting. That includes Charles Way, the team's director of player development, and trainer Ronnie Barnes. But police are still waiting to speak to more informed witnesses.

Pierce declined to answer questions about the shooting on his regular Tuesday afternoon spot on Sirius NFL Radio. "It's not appropriate with the police being involved. ... I've got to be strong," he said.

Bradshaw's attorney, Charles Stacy, said his client wasn't suspected of any wrongdoing.

Both players said they were planning to speak with the district attorney's office in the near future.

Authorities are also upset that the hospital didn't report the shooting. Hospital officials said "take this very seriously, and are conducting a thorough investigation into why this gunshot wound was not reported to the police department in a timely fashion."

Hospital spokeswoman Kathy Robinson said Tuesday an individual has been suspended in connection with the case, but would not say if the person was a doctor or hospital staff member.

A person familiar with the case said a doctor who was not a staff member came to the hospital shortly after Burress arrived there around 2 a.m. and treated him. The doctor's privileges to work out of the hospital have been suspended, according to the person. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.