Lawyer: Pierce to Testify for Grand Jury If Asked

New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce stretches during practice at the Giants practice field in...

New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce stretches during practice at the Giants practice field in East Rutherford, N.J., Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008. Pierce, who was with teammate Plaxico Burress when Burress accidentally shot himself in a New York nightclub last weekend, has not talked to police about his involvement after the incident. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)

(AP)

Antonio Pierce didn't know New York Giants teammate Plaxico Burress was carrying a gun last weekend until it accidentally discharged, injuring the receiver in the right thigh, Pierce's attorney said Thursday.

"He had no idea Plaxico had a weapon," attorney Michael Bachner said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

Bachner said Pierce would cooperate with authorities and testify before a Manhattan grand jury about the incident if asked to testify, which has yet to happen.

"Antonio has always taken a position that he will be cooperative in the investigation with law enforcement and should Antonio be subpoenaed to the grand jury, and we have no idea that is going to happen, but if he is he is going to abide by his obligations as a citizen," Bachner said.

Whether Pierce goes before the grand jury is up to the District Attorney's office, Bachner said.

Pierce refused to discuss the shooting and its aftermath after practice Thursday. But he insisted he won't be distracted when he plays Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles as the Giants (11-1) try to clinch the NFC East.

"This Sunday is no different from last Sunday," said Pierce, who came into the media room right after practice in a sweat-soaked gray pullover. "It is no different from Week 1. It's no different from the Super Bowl game. It's no different from the first game I ever played football.

"When I get on the football field my focus is winning the game, first and foremost, doing my job and helping my team win," said Pierce, who frequently clutched the podium he was standing behind with his gloved hands. "That's what I plan on doing on Sunday."

Although Pierce did take Burress to New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center as instructed by a Giants trainer, he did not try to cover it up by registering Burress under a false name, Bachner said.

"Other than bringing him to the hospital, he had no involvement in the administration process," Bachner said.