In 2008 in Colorado, a rebel faction of anti-abortion activists decided to pursue a “personhood” initiative. They proposed amending the state’s constitution to redefine “person” to include zygotes.Don’t play with guns. They are not toys. Horseplay and guns never mix, and a responsible person never engages in gun play. Period!
Plaxico Burress caught the winning touchdown from Eli Manning in the last minute of the 2008 Super Bowl and went on to be the game’s MVP. Later in the year, Burress negligently discharged an illegally carried handgun in a New York nightclub, wounding himself in the leg. Burress subsequently cut a plea deal that resulted in his becoming a convicted felon sentenced to two years in the New York State Penitentiary, beginning Sept. 22, 2009. He is still in prison but may be released as early as May 2011. Currently, he has no affiliation with or income from any NFL team, although he is free to sign with any team after his release from prison.
On Dec. 21, Gilbert Arenas, star player for the Washington Wizards, took several handguns from his locker, put them on a chair and invited teammate Javaris Crittenton to pick one. Arenas’ actions, apparently, stemmed from a dispute with Crittenton over a card game on the team flight back from Phoenix on Dec. 19. Arenas did not, initially, take the incident seriously. He joked about being John Wayne and did a finger-pistol dance before the next game. The NBA commissioner then suspended Arenas indefinitely without pay.
Arenas, who has a previous conviction for illegal gun possession, cut a deal with the prosecutor and pleaded guilty on Jan.15 to carrying a handgun without a license in the District of Columbia, which is a felony. He will be sentenced on March 26, and the Wizards have wiped all mention of Arenas from the stadium and everywhere else. He is a felon awaiting sentencing, suspended from the team.
Arenas contended the whole thing was a joke, that he is a “goof ball” and was just horsing around. Horseplay or not, gun play got him a felony conviction with the possibility more will follow. It is possible he will become like Burress: an unemployed ex-sports star in prison.
Shooting sports and hunting are enjoyed by millions of responsible gun owners, and millions of Americans own firearms for the legitimate right of self-defense. Responsible gun owners posses and use their firearms legally, and they are constantly diligent in following the most basic rules of gun safety:
•Always keep the gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
•Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
•Always keep a gun unloaded until ready to use.
Gun play is not limited to sports stars or civilians or even criminals.
It is a crime in Indiana to point a gun at someone knowingly or intentionally, whether in jest or not. If the gun is unloaded, it is a Class A misdemeanor. If the gun is loaded, it is a felony.
Always be responsible with guns, and never engage in gun play. It is stupid, criminal; someone can be injured or killed; and you can end up like Gilbert Arenas – out of a job and a convicted felon.
