EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — With their patience running out, the New York Giants handed down their own verdict on Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress yesterday — receiver dismissed.

In a stunning move, the Giants released Burress a little more than four months after the 31-year-old accidentally shot himself in the thigh with an unlicensed gun in a New York City nightclub.

"I am an optimist, and I believe most situations can be worked out," general manager Jerry Reese said. "We hung in there as long as we could in hopes that there could be a resolution to this situation other than the decision we made today to release Plaxico."

Burress' four-year tenure with the Giants was highlighted by a game-winning touchdown catch in the Super Bowl against the previously undefeated New England Patriots in February 2008.

Burress' status has been uncertain since he shot himself in the thigh Nov. 29 with a gun he'd stuffed into his waistband. He faces a felony weapons charge that could put him in prison for at least 3 1/2 years if convicted.

Burress' case was adjourned Tuesday while his attorneys and prosecutors worked on a possible plea agreement. He is due back in court June 15.