Authorities said teammate Antonio Pierce was being investigated over his role in the weekend shooting, while the Super Bowl-champion Giants weren't sure what action they would take, if any, against Burress. The NFL said it was monitoring developments. Mayor Michael Bloomberg also weighed in, saying it would be an outrage ''if we didn't prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.''

Burress shot himself in the right thigh in the VIP section of the Latin Quarter nightclub in Manhattan about 1 a.m. Saturday, police said. He did not have a permit to carry a handgun in New York.

A witness reported hearing a popping sound before Burress' legs began to shake, according to a criminal complaint. It said the person saw a bloody pistol fall out of his pant leg and land on the floor before Burress said, ''Take me to a hospital.''

It's believed Pierce took Burress to a car and then left with him, according to police. Burress was treated at a New York hospital and released later Saturday.

Burress was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, which could result in a prison sentence of 3 1/2 years to 15 years if he is convicted. He was not required to enter a plea Monday and is due back in court March 31. Burress did not say anything in court.

''He is standing tall. He is a mature adult,'' said Benjamin Brafman, his defense lawyer.

He said Burress is feeling OK. ''If they let him play, he will be able to play. . . . I think he will be a superstar for the rest of his career.''

The Giants have not decided what to do with Burress, who was suspended for a game and fined earlier this season for missing a team meeting in September. New York could either suspend him again or deactivate him for Sunday's game at home against the Eagles.

Police have looked at security video from the club and hospital and determined that Burress arrived at 1:20 a.m. and left at 1:50 a.m. He arrived at the hospital at 2:04 a.m. and went home 11 hours later.

The shooting occurred as Burress somehow fumbled his gun - a .40-caliber Glock - and it discharged, hitting his leg. The weapon was eventually recovered at Burress' house in New Jersey, authorities said.

Bucs, Pats to meet in London

The New England Patriots will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next season at Wembley Stadium, the third straight year the NFL will stage a regular-season game in London. The Bucs will be listed as the home team for the Oct. 25 matchup, giving up a game in Tampa.

Browns' Anderson out

Quarterback Derek Anderson will miss the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in his left knee on Sunday against Indianapolis. With Brady Quinn (broken finger) also out, Ken Dorsey will start against Tennessee on Sunday.