Burress says 'sorry' for gun incident

NEW YORK, July 29 (UPI) -- Former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress said Wednesday he's sorry for a Manhattan nightclub incident last year in which he accidentally shot himself.

Speaking to reporters in New York after testifying before a grand jury convened to consider felony gun possession charges against him, Burress expressed remorse over the November incident, Newsday reported.

"I was truthful, I was honest and I am truly remorseful for what I've done, what happened and what I did," Burress said before leaving without taking questions. "I just want to thank everybody -- family, friends and fans -- for their support."

Newsday said Burress was inside the courthouse for more than 2 1/2 hours testifying about the episode. Police say Burress was carrying an unlicensed Glock pistol that slipped from his waistband and went off, putting a bullet cleanly through his thigh.

Burress attorney Ben Brafman told the newspaper Burress had lawfully purchased the gun and that it was registered in another state.

"People have to understand the mitigating factors in this case that have been ignored by everyone, including the mayor and the district attorney," Brafman said.