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Burress is expected to have a warrant issued for his arrest soon for carrying an unlicensed handgun, sources told SNY's Steve Overmyer this afternoon, after the Giants' star wide receiver shot himself in the right thigh at a midtown nightclub Saturday morning.

Burress was not arrested at the scene because of a medical condition, there was no risk he would leave the country and presented no risk to society, a source told Overmyer.

Burress, who does not have a gun permit, was allowed to enter Latin Quarters on Lexington Avenue with his handgun by the club's owner. The 31 year old convinced the owner that gun was for his own protection after initially being denied entrance by a club doorman, a source told Overmeyer.

But after noticing that Burress was heavily inebriated an hour later, the club's security chief told Burress to either relinquish the weapon or leave the club. He agreed. But while removing the gun, Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg, another source told Overmeyer.

Burress refused ambulance service and was driven to the Cornell Medical Center, where he was treated and released at 2 p.m. today.

The injury isn't considered life-threatening, but it is unknown how it will affect his career.

Saturday morning's incident was just another blemish on what could have been a superb season for Burress. The ex-Steelers wide out earned a one-game suspension from head coach Tom Coughlin for missing a practice. He was not expected to play Sunday at Washington due to a nagging hamstring injury.

Burress has underperformed on the field, catching just 35 passes for 454 yards and four touchdowns. Last season, he helped lead the Giants to a Super Bowl.

The Giants issued this written statement in the afternoon:

"We are aware of the fact that Plaxico was involved in an apparent accidental shooting last night," the team said. "We have been in contact with Plaxico since shortly after the incident. Plaxico suffered a wound to his right thigh.

"Obviously, our primary concern is for Plaxico's health and well-being, and given the circumstances . . . We have been in touch with NFL Security on this matter.

"At this point, we are attempting to gather all the facts surrounding this incident. This incident could become a matter for law enforcement officials, and because of that, we have no comment on any of the details."

Brendan Kuty is a regular contributor to SNY.tv.