Collateral damage

Something Plaxico Burress might want to consider — but judging from his history, probably won’t — is the trouble his little gun incident has caused for others.

Let’s see, whom do we have?

There’s his teammate Antonio Pierce (seen above), who could be in legal jeopardy for allegedly taking Quick Draw McGraw’s .40-caliber Glock pistol home.

There’s the entire Giants team, which has to deal with yet another Burress-created distraction, and has to try to get back to the Super Bowl without the services of their most-talented wide receiver.

There’s NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell hospital — which might be in trouble for not reporting a gunshot wound, as required by law — and specifically Dr. Josyann Abisaab, who has been suspended by the hospital. Whoever allowed Burress to register under an assumed name also has some explaining to do.

There’s the NFL, which has been accused by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for not promptly reporting the shooting to the authorities, as well as for failing to make players available for interviews.

All this because of a 31-year-old adolescent who has been coddled for years just because he can catch a freakin’ football.

Is this a great country or what?

Actually, I forgot to mention the NYPD, which has been accused by some of not taking the case as seriously as they might have if the alleged perp wasn’t a hero of Super Bowl XLII.

When Burress was booked Monday, one detective reportedly told him, "You better get back, bro. We need you for the play-offs."

Actually, what we need, detective — and this goes for all of Burress' helpers and enablers — is a little perspective and judgment.