Donte Stallworth...Manslaughter?

[Sun Tzu]

Miami police won't confirm Donte Stallworth report - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3997609)

A Television station has reported that Stallworth had a blood alcohol level of .12 when he struck and killed a man last saturday night. The Miami police said they wouldn't release the official results until they make an arrest, which doesn't necessarily mean they don't already have the results. Absolutely classless.

Somewhere, Plaxico Burress is celebrating.

[molson]

That's some serious shit - you usually get about 6-7 years for DUI manslaughter (without priors).

[Galaxy]

What a douche.

You have a $35 million contract and you can't a few hundred on a limo or a taxi?

[rowech]

Didn't this happen at like 7 in the morning? You have a BAC of .12 at 7 in the morning?

[Philliesfan980]

Didn't this happen at like 7 in the morning? You have a BAC of .12 at 7 in the morning?

Dude, that's what happens when you're up in da club.

[johneh]

The acident happened just hours after he got his roster bonus of $4 million

[Logan]

The acident happened just hours after he got his roster bonus of $4 million

So the Browns are now financing manslaughter.

They just can't win.

[Lathum]

tragic and stupid all wrapped up in one

[JonInMiddleGA]

Sadly, it'll be the second former Vol involved in a fatal drunk driving incident in recent years, following in the footsteps of Leonard Little.

[gstelmack]

And his career path has turned into a real deterrent for NFL players who follow. Sigh.

[RainMaker]

Sadly, it'll be the second former Vol involved in a fatal drunk driving incident in recent years, following in the footsteps of Leonard Little.

Did Little get jailtime for it? I'd imagine this would end Stallworth's career.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Did Little get jailtime for it? I'd imagine this would end Stallworth's career.

After attending a drunken birthday party in 1998, Little crashed into and killed another motorist, Susan Gutweiler in St. Louis, MO. When tested, his blood alcohol level measured 0.19 percent, a level that exceeds the statutory level of intoxication of 0.08 in the state of Missouri. Little received 90 days in jail, four years probation and 1000 hours of community service.

And if the numbers are correct, Little was actually quite a bit drunker than Stallworth & also hit a much easier to avoid target.

[Sun Tzu]

You've got to be fucking kidding me.

[Chief Rum]

You've got to be fucking kidding me.

About which part?

[Sun Tzu]

Leonard Little...90 days???

It's a good thing I'm a pacifist.

[miked]

Dany Heatley was given probation, but then again, he wasn't over the legal limit, just drinking and driving his Ferrari at crazy speeds in the side streets of Atlanta.

[Chief Rum]

Leonard Little...90 days???

It's a good thing I'm a pacifist.

Surprised you didn't know about it. There was a big uproar over the light punishment at the time, and it was a national uproar. On top of that, Little became a key player for the Rams in their Super Bowl runs after that.

[Passacaglia]

Who?

[Travis]

Dany Heatley was given probation, but then again, he wasn't over the legal limit, just drinking and driving his Ferrari at crazy speeds in the side streets of Atlanta.

And if I'm recalling correctly the person who died was a passenger in his vehicle, not a pedestrian.

[Logan]

Wasn't that Little's second drunken driving charge too? Or maybe even the second time he hit someone?

[Lathum]

to bad he didn't kill himself

[JonInMiddleGA]

Wasn't that Little's second drunken driving charge too? Or maybe even the second time he hit someone?

I think he actually got another one a few years later but was acquitted on the primary charge.

[miked]

And if I'm recalling correctly the person who died was a passenger in his vehicle, not a pedestrian.

Correct, he wrecked his car when he lost control (near Lenox Mall area) and he was drinking, but not above the legal limit. Obviously it's hard to control a Ferrari in a residential neighborhood going around 80, worse when you've been drinking. The passenger was his teammate.

From wiki:
Heatley was charged with vehicular homicide; he pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular homicide, driving too fast for conditions, failure to maintain a lane, and speeding.

[RainMaker]

There was a guy where I went to college who killed a pedestrian (and hurt some others) while leaving a bar drunk. I want to say he got 3 years. But he wasn't an athlete/celebrity so it's different.

[PackerFanatic]

He will probably get a couple months in jail, "probation", and "community service". He shouldn't be treated any differently than Joe Schmo would get 5 to 10.

[Lathum]

There was a guy where I went to college who killed a pedestrian (and hurt some others) while leaving a bar drunk. I want to say he got 3 years. But he wasn't an athlete/celebrity so it's different.

IMO athletes/ celebrities should get more, they at least have the means to hire a driver.

[Noop]

IMO athletes/ celebrities should get more, they at least have the means to hire a driver.

That's a stupid argument.

[JonInMiddleGA]

He shouldn't be treated any differently than Joe Schmo would get 5 to 10.

That's not really the impression I get, at least not around here.

We just had a case where a woman ran over a cop directing traffic outside an elementary school. Weather was fine, she's stone cold sober, she drove the route regularly, visibility was normal, nothing out of the ordinary ... except that for some never really explained reason she literally ran him over right in the middle of the street, killing him at the scene.

Two years probation, 80 hours of community service, and no criminal record if she completes the probation. They didn't even suspend her f'n license.

In some ways I think she's probably a greater risk to the community than a Stallworth or Little.

[Lathum]

That's a stupid argument.

and it makes alot more sense that they get treated lightly because they can hire better lawyers.

[Noop]

and it makes alot more sense that they get treated lightly because they can hire better lawyers.

So because you have the money, you should have a driver? What is the right amount money? 50k, 75k, 100k? Your a smart guy but that argument makes zero sense. Even with a high priced lawyer guess who decides what happens to the celebrity? The people.

[johneh]

Stallworth should already be in jail from theft based on his 2008 season.

[Lathum]

So because you have the money, you should have a driver? What is the right amount money? 50k, 75k, 100k? Your a smart guy but that argument makes zero sense. Even with a high priced lawyer guess who decides what happens to the celebrity? The people.

If you make millions of dollars a year you should have the sense and the means to hire a driver.

And the people don't decide what happens to them. They always plea down so it doesn't get to a trial.

[Noop]

If you make millions of dollars a year you should have the sense and the means to hire a driver.

And the people don't decide what happens to them. They always plea down so it doesn't get to a trial.

Who votes in the District Attorney? The people. The judge? Most cases the people.

Just because you have millions doesn't mean you have to have a driver or face a stiffer penalty.

[BrianD]

If you make millions of dollars a year you should have the sense and the means to hire a driver.


Earning potential and wisdom have zero correlation.

[Lathum]

Who votes in the District Attorney? The people. The judge? Most cases the people.

.

I think you are stretching a bit here.

[Noop]

I think you are stretching a bit here.

Yeah okay.

[molson]

Just because you have millions doesn't mean you have to have a driver or face a stiffer penalty.

That's up to the judge - they lawfully have that discretion, and can and do punish people more because they should know better, or had means that other people don't. For example, a drug-addict kid from a broken home might get the benefit of the doubt and more chances at rehabilitation than someone with access to the best treatment that doesn't take advantage of it.

Driving drunk when you have the means not to is incredibly stupid, and definitely speaks to legitimate sentencing factors.

[larrymcg421]

I don't think Stallworth should be treated worse than the average person. I think everyone should be treated worse. If you don't have a ride, then drink at home. If you refuse to do that, then you don't have the right to be on the road.

[Lathum]

Yeah okay.

you don't think it's a stretch to go from - the judge decides the sentence-the people vote for the judge-hence the people decide the sentence?

[Chief Rum]

Who votes in the District Attorney? The people. The judge? Most cases the people.

Just because you have millions doesn't mean you have to have a driver or face a stiffer penalty.

Legally? No. In the court of public opinion? Yes.

Athletes (and others who have money, like movie and music celebs, or CEOs, or landed wealth) who choose to drink and drive rather than hiring drivers or getting a taxi are dumbasses on a historic level (beyond the level of stupidity needed just for the drinking and driving part alone).

[Noop]

That's up to the judge - they lawfully have that discretion, and can and do punish people more because they should know better, or had means that other people don't. For example, a drug-addict kid from a broken home might get the benefit of the doubt and more chances at rehabilitation than someone with access to the best treatment that doesn't take advantage of it.

That's seems very subjective and shouldn't the court be impartial?

[molson]

That's seems very subjective and shouldn't the court be impartial?

Sentencings are pretty much a free-for-all, compared to the restrictions of trials and hearings. When I prosecuted, the sentencing argument was my favorite part - it was the only time I wasn't terrified of saying something that would get the case overturned on appeal.

Judges should definitely be impartial - a defense attorney could very fairly make the argument you're making here, and the judge might go along with it.

But if this was some poor guy who had one too many, and drove home becaue he had no other option, and he's the only provider for his family so thus he can't go to jail for long, you can bet the defense attorney would be highlighting that.

(Of course, this all assumes an "open" sentencing - mostly likely there would be a plea deal and a joint recomendation for a sentence that the judge would go along with)

[Noop]

you don't think it's a stretch to go from - the judge decides the sentence-the people vote for the judge-hence the people decide the sentence?

If you don't like the fact celebrities get off easy then make sure the DA or the Judge doesn't get elected again. Ultimately the people decide because preferential treatment has been around a long time and continue to exist because people don't object to it with their vote.

[Noop]

Legally? No. In the court of public opinion? Yes.

Athletes (and others who have money, like movie and music celebs, or CEOs, or landed wealth) who choose to drink and drive rather than hiring drivers or getting a taxi are dumbasses on a historic level (beyond the level of stupidity needed just for the drinking and driving part alone).

Honestly the court of public opinion certainly doesn't mean much because the public's opinion can be swayed back in your favor. (Kobe Bryant)

[Chief Rum]

That's seems very subjective and shouldn't the court be impartial?

Courts make subjective judgments all the time, taking into account extenuating circumstances when it's not an exact fit with the law as written. And molson would know, since he used to be (still is?) a prosecutor.

[larrymcg421]

you don't think it's a stretch to go from - the judge decides the sentence-the people vote for the judge-hence the people decide the sentence?

I'd like to point out here that I DESPISE elections for judicial offices. A judge should only be thinking about what the law says, not what his constituents want. The way it is now you have the bizaare case of justices hearing cases involving their campaign contributors. Do we really trust them to be fair?

[Chief Rum]

Honestly the court of public opinion certainly doesn't mean much because the public's opinion can be swayed back in your favor. (Kobe Bryant)

Tell that to Kobe's bank account, which received the negative impact of his lack of endorsement deals for several years, including some prime earning years. Tell that to Michael Phelps, who lost a ton of money with this marijuana thing. Tell that to Mickey Rourke, who's drinking/drug issues basically led him to missing out on being an actual leading man in Hollywood for the 20 best years for him to have done so. Tell that to Manny, who's rumored lack of effort in Boston to get traded resulted in a significantly less quality contract signed late, late in this offseason.

Public opinion does matter. There are whole industries based on that.

[Lathum]

If you don't like the fact celebrities get off easy then make sure the DA or the Judge doesn't get elected again. Ultimately the people decide because preferential treatment has been around a long time and continue to exist because people don't object to it with their vote.

People elect public officials to make decisions for them but ultimatly the decision goes to the one person elected to handle that responsibility. If the elected official makes enogh poor decicions they may not be reelected, but that doesn't change the fact the final call was ultimatly theirs.

[Noop]

Tell that to Kobe's bank account, which received the negative impact of his lack of endorsement deals for several years, including some prime earning years. Tell that to Michael Phelps, who lost a ton of money with this marijuana thing. Tell that to Mickey Rourke, who's drinking/drug issues basically led him to missing out on being an actual leading man in Hollywood for the 20 best years for him to have done so. Tell that to Manny, who's rumored lack of effort in Boston to get traded resulted in a significantly less quality contract signed late, late in this offseason.

Public opinion does matter. There are whole industries based on that.

Actually I used Kobe as an example because he lost a lot of his endorsements and while he hasn't gotten them all back he has still be able to garner some back.

When I say public opinion doesn't matter I meant the person is free who cares what people think.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tell that to Kobe's bank account, which received the negative impact of his lack of endorsement deals for several years, including some prime earning years. Tell that to Michael Phelps, who lost a ton of money with this marijuana thing. Tell that to Mickey Rourke, who's drinking/drug issues basically led him to missing out on being an actual leading man in Hollywood for the 20 best years for him to have done so. Tell that to Manny, who's rumored lack of effort in Boston to get traded resulted in a significantly less quality contract signed late, late in this offseason.

Public opinion does matter. There are whole industries based on that.

Umm it's just a sidebar but ... where does Mickey Rourke really fit into that sequence? His losses seem to be more about industry opinion than public opinion. I'm not particularly aware that anybody in the public really gave a damn what Rourke drank, snorted, or otherwise. That was people in the business who didn't trust him enough to want to work with him.

[Noop]

People elect public officials to make decisions for them but ultimatly the decision goes to the one person elected to handle that responsibility. If the elected official makes enogh poor decicions they may not be reelected, but that doesn't change the fact the final call was ultimatly theirs.

I'm not arguing that at all. I am saying if people don't like the fact celebrities get off easy then the judge shouldn't have a chance to be on the bench come next election. Does that make sense to you? Or no?

[Chief Rum]

Actually I used Kobe as an example because he lost a lot of his endorsements and while he hasn't gotten them all back he has still be able to garner some back.

When I say public opinion doesn't matter I meant the person is free who cares what people think.

Well, then, next time, focus your response on that last, rather than just stating public opinion doesn't matter. It certainly does, and you yourself point that out.

[TCY Junkie]

I wanted to hear something about Donte being worthy of being put in a stall in between Rosie and Oprah so he could wish he was dead.

Thanks for making me read all this and making me think(gives me a headache).

[Lathum]

I'm not arguing that at all. I am saying if people don't like the fact celebrities get off easy then the judge shouldn't have a chance to be on the bench come next election. Does that make sense to you? Or no?

of course it does, but your original argument was the people decide is an athlete/ celeb get an eaiser sentence, and thats not true.

The people can decide to make a change based on the sentencing if they like, but thats after the fact.

[Chief Rum]

Umm it's just a sidebar but ... where does Mickey Rourke really fit into that sequence? His losses seem to be more about industry opinion than public opinion. I'm not particularly aware that anybody in the public really gave a damn what Rourke drank, snorted, or otherwise. That was people in the business who didn't trust him enough to want to work with him.

But what drives industry opinion? Public "fascination" with Rourke's lifestyle choices led to the publicity, bad or good, that he received, and that publicity in part fueled the opinions of those who would have potentially worked with him. Heck, few industries are more sensitive to public opinion that Hollywood.

Do you think everyone in Hollywood, from the top, top executive, to the bit part actor to the best grip to the cinematographer all know each other, just because they're all in the movie business? Just as in other businesses, unless you have worked directly with that person, your opinion of that person is going to be some mishmash of what you have heard from personal testimonials within your business and what you have read/heard/seen in the published media.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Do you think everyone in Hollywood, from the top, top executive, to the bit part actor to the best grip to the cinematographer all know each other, just because they're all in the movie business? Just as in other businesses, unless you have worked directly with that person, your opinion of that person is going to be some mishmash of what you have heard from personal testimonials within your business and what you have read/heard/seen in the published media.

It's not that big an industry. The decision makers don't know everybody but it's not as though they operate in the same vacuum of relevant experience that Joe Sixpack does. No way I believe that some blurb in Variety carries as much influence as the six or less degrees of separation that the decision makers would have with Rourke. Those blurbs after all do come from somewhere and it ain't the general public, it's somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who knows the decision maker and the word gets around that way.

It's almost as though we're using the phrase "public opinion" in completely different ways.

[Chief Rum]

Maybe we are. But public opinion--actual public opinion, Joe Schmo--does impact movie revenue as well. People get disgusted by the actions and decisions of actors all the time, and they avoid that actor's movies because of it. How about Mel Gibson since his drunken rant against Jews? Between that and his polarizing Passion, he doesn't seem to be getting much work at all, and that's because people in the know know he'll be a harder sell now.

[Sun Tzu]

How about Mel Gibson since his drunken rant against Jews? Between that and his polarizing Passion, he doesn't seem to be getting much work at all, and that's because people in the know know he'll be a harder sell now.

Who?

[JPhillips]

Umm it's just a sidebar but ... where does Mickey Rourke really fit into that sequence? His losses seem to be more about industry opinion than public opinion. I'm not particularly aware that anybody in the public really gave a damn what Rourke drank, snorted, or otherwise. That was people in the business who didn't trust him enough to want to work with him.

I'd agree with Jon on this. Theatre and film are a little different, but the people who make casting decisions are pretty few and they tend to be pretty well connected to each other. Drug/alcohol problems that effect rehearsals/performances are well known and most certainly do weigh heavily in the casting decision.

Someone like Rourke wasn't so special that you had to have him and only him, so his addiction problems would become a deciding factor in casting.

[Chief Rum]

Perhaps within the industry, Rourke is a bad example, but you can't say the public opinion of moviegoers doesn't matter, nor that they aren't considered in the decisions of moviemakers. I already suggested a pretty obvious case in Mel Gibson. How about all the people who swore off Tom Cruise movies because of how nutty he was getting with the Scientology thing and with getting married to what's her crazy eye? Lindsey Lohan's bad pub is combining with how difficult she is to work with to make her almost uncastable.

Point is, public opinion does matter, and does have a very real, economic impact on people. So to ignore it in this discussion is silly. Heck, Rourke wasn't even the strongest example I brought up in no less than four such examples to Noop's original point.

[Lathum]

DUI manslaughter

Cleveland Browns' Donte Stallworth charged with DUI manslaughter - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4033632)

MIAMI -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth was charged Wednesday with killing a pedestrian last month while driving drunk after a night out at a swank South Beach nightspot.

An arrest warrant charging Stallworth, 28, with DUI manslaughter was filed in the March 14 accident that killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes. If convicted, Stallworth would face as many as 15 years in prison.

Stallworth's blood-alcohol level after the crash was .126, well above Florida's legal limit of .08, according to results of a blood test. Stallworth also will be charged with DUI, which carries a possible six-month sentence plus fines and community service for first offenders.

Stallworth
Stallworth

"Whenever a deadly accident occurs and a driver is impaired, families suffer," Miami-Dade state attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement. "I can only repeat this message over and over: If you are going to drink, don't drive."

Stallworth, who is expected to surrender in court Thursday, released a statement last month saying he was "grief-stricken" over the accident. Prosecutors said they will ask that he be released on $200,000 bail.

Stallworth will be prohibited from driving while on bail and not allowed to drink alcohol, according to court documents. He also must observe a 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and must submit to random alcohol and drug testing through the NFL's substance abuse program.

A Miami Beach police report said that Reyes was not in a crosswalk on busy MacArthur Causeway when he was struck by the black 2005 Bentley luxury car driven by Stallworth. The construction crane operator was trying to catch a bus home after finishing his shift about 7:15 a.m.

The report also quoted Stallworth as saying he flashed his lights at Reyes in an attempted warning and that Stallworth was driving about 50 mph in a 40-mph zone.

An additional police affidavit filed Wednesday said that on the morning of the crash, Stallworth was drinking at a club in the posh Fountainebleau hotel on South Beach. He left to go to a nearby home -- it's not clear if the home was one of Stallworth's three Miami-area properties -- hen headed out to the causeway where Reyes was struck.

"I hit the man lying in the road," Stallworth told officers arriving to investigate the crash, according to the affidavit. One officer smelled alcohol on Stallworth's breath and said that his eyes appeared bloodshot and watery.

Stallworth's attorney Christopher Lyons did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.

Stallworth signed a seven-year, $35 million contract with the Browns before last season but was injured much of the year. He previously played for New England, Philadelphia and New Orleans.

[Sgran]

"The report also quoted Stallworth as saying he flashed his lights at Reyes in an attempted warning and that Stallworth was driving about 50 mph in a 40-mph zone."

Jesus, he saw the guy, flashed his lights and ran him over.

[flounder]

Stallworth pleads to manslaughter and gets 30 days in jail. What a joke.

Lester Munson on ESPN, "This is a good outcome for the victim." I'm sure he's doing cartwheels right now, Lester.

[MikeVic]

Woooow. What the fuck. 30 days?!?! Shouldn't this be years of jail time??

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I don't understand how someone can show negligence leading to someone else's death and only get 30 days in jail.

[DeToxRox]

And let's see the outcry when Stallworth is back playing in the NFL, I bet it won't even reach Mike Vick levels. How sad.

Stallworth and Leonard Little need to both eat the barrel of a gun.

[Kodos]

Stallworth and Leonard Little need to both eat the barrel of a gun.

And how. I hope Goodell steps in and bans Stallworth for life.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Donte' Stallworth gets 1 month in jail, 2 years house arrest in DUI death - Breaking News - MiamiHerald.com (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1099564.html)
Prosecutors filed formal charges June 4, and Stallworth had pleaded not guilty. The unusually speedy end to the case came at the urging of the Reyes family, which wanted to resolve the matter to avoid further emotional trauma.

[Lathum]

Just goes to show what money can buy.

Any one of us would be doing 3-5 easy. 30 days is disgusting.

I don't think he plays in the NFL this year, it will be interesting to see his ruling in comparison to Burress' ruling from the league.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Donte' Stallworth gets 1 month in jail, 2 years house arrest in DUI death - Breaking News - MiamiHerald.com (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1099564.html)
Prosecutors filed formal charges June 4, and Stallworth had pleaded not guilty. The unusually speedy end to the case came at the urging of the Reyes family, which wanted to resolve the matter to avoid further emotional trauma.

I suppose I can understand where they're coming from, but as a society isn't it our responsibility to punish him regardless of their wishes?

[Bad-example]

Stallworth also reached a confidential financial settlement with the Reyes' family.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I suppose I can understand where they're coming from, but as a society isn't it our responsibility to punish him regardless of their wishes?

Well it seems to me they're probably coming from the school of "wanna get paid" (in addition to the plea agreement there was also an undisclosed settlement).

But what isn't mentioned anywhere yet is how much the plea was affected by the confidence of prosecutors that they could get a conviction. Last I've seen at least there were no eyewitnesses to the crash & the victim wasn't in the crosswalk (at least I haven't seen where that was disputed/disproven). This might well have been a case where the prosecutors weren't particularly confident they were going to get a conviction of any kind so they took what was there to be had for sure instead of rolling the dice.

[molson]

And let's see the outcry when Stallworth is back playing in the NFL, I bet it won't even reach Mike Vick levels. How sad.

Stallworth and Leonard Little need to both eat the barrel of a gun.

I think the NFL gets a pass on Little in comparison to Vick because it was years ago and under another administration, but Stallworth will be a real test.

[wade moore]

And let's see the outcry when Stallworth is back playing in the NFL, I bet it won't even reach Mike Vick levels. How sad.

Stallworth and Leonard Little need to both eat the barrel of a gun.

This will get interesting to me.

The NFL has been able to hide behind "that was a different regime" with the Leonard Little stuff.

This is a current NFL player who under this NFL regime killed a human being.

I'm one of the heavier Vick haters on this message board - and have a "soft spot" for Stallworth because I'm a UT fan - Stallworth needs to be dealt with severely by the NFL.

If this was murder I'd say the punishment needs to be far more harsh than Vick's. It is manslaughter, which is certainly different than murder - so I'd say his punishment should be at least as harsh as Vick's, if not more harsh.

[stevew]

I think the small amount of jail time is silly. But it was going to be hard to prove that him being drunk was the main reason the accident happened.

[wade moore]

Hmm...

From www.profootballtalk.com:


Not long ago, I told Peter King and Bob Papa of Sirius NFL Radio (http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/06/16/30-days-for-stallworth/#) that, in the full-blown Internet age, Rams defensive end Leonard Little wouldn’t have quietly gotten 30 days in jail for killing Susan Gutweiler while driving drunk.
And, so, Browns receiver Donte’ Stallworth gets 30 days (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/11861749) in jail for killing Mario Reyes while allegedly driving drunk.
Stallworth pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter, which carries a four-year mandatory minimum sentence for a “conviction.” The presiding judge apparently agreed that a guilty plea isn’t a “conviction.”
Stallworth also will be placed on 10 years of probation, and he must perform 1,000 hours of community service.
The key to this one, however, surely was the money he’s paying to the victim’s family. Our guess is that it falls somewhere between $2 million and $5 million. And that it’s closer to $5 million.

[Samdari]

Well it seems to me they're probably coming from the school of "wanna get paid" (in addition to the plea agreement there was also an undisclosed settlement).

This sounds awful that they'd sell out their dead relative, but being a practical rather than sentimental guy, I might make the same decision.

You can either push for the driver to go to jail, which benefits you in no tangible way, or you can get a decent amount of cash, which is presumably needed to replace your family's lost income.

[Lathum]

This sounds awful that they'd sell out their dead relative, but being a practical rather than sentimental guy, I might make the same decision.

You can either push for the driver to go to jail, which benefits you in no tangible way, or you can get a decent amount of cash, which is presumably needed to replace your family's lost income.

yep, it's not like you can bring them back.

If I was killed by a drunk driver I would rather have my family get a nice payday then see the driver go to jail.

[Kodos]

I would rather see the offender go to jail for a long time.

[Samdari]

Maybe have the family get $350k, then spend $50k on it for a nice, clean, professional hit.

[Lathum]

I would rather see the offender go to jail for a long time.

Then have your family set for life?

You're gone regardless.

[Lathum]

dola- by nice payday I mean in the 3-5 million range at a minimum.

[Surtt]

If this was murder I'd say the punishment needs to be far more harsh than Vick's. It is manslaughter, which is certainly different than murder - so I'd say his punishment should be at least as harsh as Vick's, if not more harsh.

Has the NFL handed out punishment to Vick yet?
Last I heard it was pending his release from jail.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It is manslaughter, which is certainly different than murder - so I'd say his punishment should be at least as harsh as Vick's, if not more harsh.

I disagree, largely for the reasons I heard on one of the national sports talk shows a few minutes ago (might have been Rome, not sure, I was just button pushing in the car).

What Vick did was intentional, premeditated, and shows a complete lack of humanity. What Stallworth was both stupid & criminal but was not undertaken with any malice, not only was it an accident (granted set in motion by his lousy judgement) but there were also mitigating circumstances that has the victim at least sharing the responsibility for the outcome (by jaywalking).

No way that I see the general public, or even the NFL fan subset, seeing what Stallworth did as being nearly as heinous as what Vick did.

[wade moore]

I disagree, largely for the reasons I heard on one of the national sports talk shows a few minutes ago (might have been Rome, not sure, I was just button pushing in the car).

What Vick did was intentional, premeditated, and shows a complete lack of humanity. What Stallworth was both stupid & criminal but was not undertaken with any malice, not only was it an accident (granted set in motion by his lousy judgement) but there were also mitigating circumstances that has the victim at least sharing the responsibility for the outcome (by jaywalking).

No way that I see the general public, or even the NFL fan subset, seeing what Stallworth did as being nearly as heinous as what Vick did.

Oddly I figured you'd be one of the first to jump on the idea that this is way worse than what Vick did.

I'm actually basically with you. That's why I say about the same as Vick trying to level off some sort of balance between human/animal and accident/intentional.

Hard to balance it out, that's just my swag. But I certainly think this is way different than murder for the very reasons you state.

[DaddyTorgo]

that's ridiculous!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Incidentally, at least according to whatever sportstalker I caught earlier, the average sentence for the same conviction in Florida is between 2 & 3 years.

[Kodos]

Then have your family set for life?

You're gone regardless.

The money would be tainted to me. I couldn't enjoy it knowing that I cashed in on a family member's death, rather than pursuing the maximum punishment available for the person who killed them.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Oddly I figured you'd be one of the first to jump on the idea that this is way worse than what Vick did.

Not at all, I don't even think it's remotely in the same ballpark frankly.

Must be because I'm a raci ... oh, wait, Stallworth isn't a white guy?
That must not be it then ;)

To be honest, I'm surprised he's going to do a day in jail. Given the circumstances of the incident, I really thought this would end up with a straight DUI plea at most.

[wade moore]

Not at all, I don't even think it's remotely in the same ballpark frankly.

Must be because I'm a raci ... oh, wait, Stallworth isn't a white guy?
That must not be it then ;)

To be honest, I'm surprised he's going to do a day in jail. Given the circumstances of the incident, I really thought this would end up with a straight DUI plea at most.

Nah - my read was that you would put the death of an animal (esp a vicious animal) at a far lower tragedy than a human death - enough that the intentions would not even be a factor.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Nah - my read was that you would put the death of an animal (esp a vicious animal) at a far lower tragedy than a human death

You must have skipped over my posts in the Vick thread. What he did should be a capital crime afaic.

And I don't even like dogs ... but anybody that intentionally brutalizes one ought to be put down.

[Kodos]

You must have skipped over my posts in the Vick thread. What he did should be a capital crime afaic.

And I don't even like dogs ... but anybody that intentionally brutalizes one ought to be put down.

Maybe Vick was just working toward your goal of phasing out pit bulls. ;)

[wade moore]

You must have skipped over my posts in the Vick thread. What he did should be a capital crime afaic.

And I don't even like dogs ... but anybody that intentionally brutalizes one ought to be put down.

Ah... that thread all started to run together after awhile.

[Mustang]

Maybe have the family get $350k, then spend $50k on it for a nice, clean, professional hit.

Probably my sentiments depending on the member of the family. If it was me, I'd say take the money and provide for my daughter the rest of her life.

If it was my daughter, no amount of money would stop me from wanting to put a bullet in his head.

[molson]

I disagree, largely for the reasons I heard on one of the national sports talk shows a few minutes ago (might have been Rome, not sure, I was just button pushing in the car).

What Vick did was intentional, premeditated, and shows a complete lack of humanity. What Stallworth was both stupid & criminal but was not undertaken with any malice, not only was it an accident (granted set in motion by his lousy judgement) but there were also mitigating circumstances that has the victim at least sharing the responsibility for the outcome (by jaywalking).

No way that I see the general public, or even the NFL fan subset, seeing what Stallworth did as being nearly as heinous as what Vick did.

It's also true that there's a lot more people in American than can relate to making a mistake with a DUI than torturing animals.

[EagleFan]

Tell that to Kobe's bank account, which received the negative impact of his lack of endorsement deals for several years, including some prime earning years. Tell that to Michael Phelps, who lost a ton of money with this marijuana thing. Tell that to Mickey Rourke, who's drinking/drug issues basically led him to missing out on being an actual leading man in Hollywood for the 20 best years for him to have done so. Tell that to Manny, who's rumored lack of effort in Boston to get traded resulted in a significantly less quality contract signed late, late in this offseason.

Public opinion does matter. There are whole industries based on that.

Poor Kobe, he had to get by on his NBA salary. How did he ever make it...

[Maple Leafs]

Let's try to have some perspective. He killed one guy. That's it. It's not like he did something really terrible, like accidentally shoot himself at a night club.

[Samdari]

The two years of house arrest could potentially be interesting.

During that period he won't be physically incacerated, but in a sense is technically incarcerated. Goodell could really say here, you're not eligible to play in the NFL while you are serving a sentence.

[lordscarlet]

Is there any timeline on a decision by the NFL?

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I work with a guy who is from the area where the accident happened and knows it well. He said that if you try and cross where the guy did this is a very likely result.

30 day is a bit light, but considering he did take responsibility for it right away and he will have another 10 years of legal issues from the house arrest and probation I don't think he'll be a menace to society. I bet alcohol consumption is a stipulation in this deal. Locking him up for 15 years would serve no purpose, especially when they could use that prison bed for a child rapist or somebody else that would otherwise be released a bit early.

[wade moore]

The two years of house arrest could potentially be interesting.

During that period he won't be physically incacerated, but in a sense is technically incarcerated. Goodell could really say here, you're not eligible to play in the NFL while you are serving a sentence.

Well... do we know the terms of his house arrest? Could he even legally do what he needs to (mini-camps, training camp, away games, etc, etc) to play in the NFL?

[albionmoonlight]

Sentencing Law and Policy: Lawyer for Plaxico Burress making much of sweet plea deal given to other NFL receiver (http://sentencing.typepad.com/sentencing_law_and_policy/2009/06/lawyer-for-plaxico-burress-making-much-of-sweet-plea-deal-given-to-other-nfl-receiver.html)

Burress' lawyer wasted no time pointing this out to the relevant parties in his case.

[RainMaker]

I don't know how I could spend that money. It would be blood money for a family member. Everything I purchased with it would remind me of them. I think it's a lot easier to say that you'd rather take the money till you're in the position. Imagine a drunk driver kills your son/daughter.

All I would care about is vengeance. Money would be inconsequential.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Imagine a drunk driver kills your son/daughter.

All I would care about is vengeance. Money would be inconsequential.

So what would you do? Wait outside his place until he goes for a walk, then run him down with a grin on your face?

[Travis]

To me a lot would depends on the circumstance (yes I know, a minor cop out).

If the person who did it seemed (imho) genuinely remorseful and wanted to do nothing but make amends, own up to it, etc, I'd be much more likely to take the money, accept lesser jail time and try to put that money towards something positive (a fundraiser in the deceased's honor, donate to a local designated driver group, etc) and try to help others either avoid or cope with similar situations.

If the person responsible tries to pass the buck, blame the deceased for being in the wrong place or was anything less than completely regretful over what happened, then yeah, it's go time. They better hope they get sentenced quickly and severely because I'll be waiting for my chance at them.

What I'm trying to say is that I'm more than likely going to want them punished to the fullest extent of the law. The chance to make something positive (as positive as it can be given the catalyst) out of the situation isn't one I can dismiss out of hand though but it'd have to be a pretty special set of circumstances.

[Travis]

Dola, yes I know that sounds a bit cold/logical/calculating especially considering we're talking about a family member having just been killed, but I'm the type who usually controls strong emotions pretty well (haven't been through this type of situation so it's very hard to guess how I'd react) and tends to try and find as positive of a solution to a situation as possible. I'd like to honor their memory with as positive of a tribute as I could, though I fully agree that there needs to be a stiff penalty paid by the person responsible. No matter the amount of money involved I really don't feel the jail time/house arrest details involved here are enough.

[RainMaker]

So what would you do? Wait outside his place until he goes for a walk, then run him down with a grin on your face?
I have no idea. I don't think anyone knows how they'd react till they've been put in that spot. I just know that money would mean shit to me.

[MikeVic]

I have no idea. I don't think anyone knows how they'd react till they've been put in that spot. I just know that money would mean shit to me.

What if you were in that spot, and it no longer meant shit to you?

[JonInMiddleGA]

If the person who did it seemed (imho) genuinely remorseful and wanted to do nothing but make amends, own up to it, etc, I'd be much more likely to take the money, accept lesser jail time and try to put that money towards something positive (a fundraiser in the deceased's honor, donate to a local designated driver group, etc) and try to help others either avoid or cope with similar situations.

Worth noting here is what I've seen mentioned in more than one article on the subject: Stallworth stop immediately after the crash, called police himself, told them at the scene "I ran over a guy", and at no time even tried to deny his role in the incident.

[RainMaker]

What if you were in that spot, and it no longer meant shit to you?
I don't really know. If someone killed a close family member of mine such as my son or daughter, my initial reaction would be to hurt them badly. I don't know if I'd be able to follow through with it or if things would hold me back. But I do know if someone hurt me that way I'd want to hurt them back.

[RainMaker]

What Vick did was intentional, premeditated, and shows a complete lack of humanity. What Stallworth was both stupid & criminal but was not undertaken with any malice, not only was it an accident (granted set in motion by his lousy judgement) but there were also mitigating circumstances that has the victim at least sharing the responsibility for the outcome (by jaywalking).


I don't know if I'd call it an "accident". An accident to me is just something that happens in a normal situation that perhaps is unavoidable. A car doesn't see you and swerves to hit you. That to me is an accident. Maybe the driver should have looked more thoroughly in the mirror or worn his sunglasses, but he wasn't doing something maliciously and he had no idea that what he was doing would cause the accident.

When you drive drunk, you've made a concious decision to put the lives of others in danger. I don't see how it's any different than someone who knowingly has HIV and has unprotected sex with other people without telling them. Or someone who closes his eyes in a park and just starts randomly shooting in different directions to test his gun. Sure he doesn't have the intention of killing a person, but he knowingly is doing something that is dangerous to others.

I personally think that if you are drunk and kill another person, you should receive no less than 5 years in prison. You have taken the life of another human being. You have done so while knowing in advance that your actions is dangerous to others.

[Young Drachma]

I think judges should take everything into account. I'd feel the same way if it were a guy who exercised bad judgment after a night with his boys who had a regular job and wasn't a millionaire, as much as I'd feel that way in this case.

I do think that if Stallworth weren't able to settle with the family how he did, that it's unlikely he'd have managed to get off the way he did. I'm sure the cooperation of the family made the prosecutors realize that he was more valuable in this case making millions and being an example, rather than being in jail to "pay for his crime."

[RainMaker]

I think judges should take everything into account. I'd feel the same way if it were a guy who exercised bad judgment after a night with his boys who had a regular job and wasn't a millionaire, as much as I'd feel that way in this case.

I do think that if Stallworth weren't able to settle with the family how he did, that it's unlikely he'd have managed to get off the way he did. I'm sure the cooperation of the family made the prosecutors realize that he was more valuable in this case making millions and being an example, rather than being in jail to "pay for his crime."
But it sets a rather bad example to the public and particularly younger people. It says that killing someone while driving drunk isn't really that big of a deal.

Isn't it better that someone like this get 10 years in jail? So that 18-year old remembers how a DUI destroyed some NFL players career the next time he goes to a party and thinks about driving home? I just think the sentence makes DUI manslaughter look like a real minor crime. He killed another human being, he didn't steal a pair of jeans from the Gap.

[Young Drachma]

yep, it's not like you can bring them back.

If I was killed by a drunk driver I would rather have my family get a nice payday then see the driver go to jail.

Same.

[Young Drachma]

But it sets a rather bad example to the public and particularly younger people. It says that killing someone while driving drunk isn't really that big of a deal.

Isn't it better that someone like this get 10 years in jail? So that 18-year old remembers how a DUI destroyed some NFL players career the next time he goes to a party and thinks about driving home? I just think the sentence makes DUI manslaughter look like a real minor crime.

I don't believe that decisions ought to be rendered in the interest of "what about the kids? It absolutely frustrates me that so many people believe that you can legislate good behavior. You can't and you won't.

I get that some people favor retribution over anything, but..I'm just not from the school of "an eye for an eye."

I think you have to consider all of the facts, rather than paint a broad brush in decisionmaking.

[RainMaker]

I don't believe that decisions ought to be rendered in the interest of "what about the kids? It absolutely frustrates me that so many people believe that you can legislate good behavior. You can't and you won't.

I get that some people favor retribution over anything, but..I'm just not from the school of "an eye for an eye."

I think you have to consider all of the facts, rather than paint a broad brush in decisionmaking.

Then why bother sending anyone to jail? I mean you can't legislate good behavior. Just tear down the jails and make everything civil court based.

I think 5-10 years is quite fair for taking the life of another human being.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I personally think that if you are drunk and kill another person, you should receive no less than 5 years in prison. You have taken the life of another human being. You have done so while knowing in advance that your actions is dangerous to others.

But if the guy doesn't step off the curb outside of the proper place, there's probably not contact at all. That's the extenuating circumstance here that makes it a lot less cut & dry to me than the standard drunk-driver-kills-someone story. In this case, it took two to tango, which is why I'm still surprised he pled guilty since I really don't believe a jury would have convicted him of this level of charge.

[Big Fo]

If only Vick had paid off the families of those dogs...

[Young Drachma]

Dany Heatley (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64521-2005Feb4.html) got probation in his case. But he plays hockey.

[Young Drachma]

Then why bother sending anyone to jail? I mean you can't legislate good behavior. Just tear down the jails and make everything civil court based.



I wouldn't opposed this. But I realize it's not practical and I'm in the minority. But I'd be fine with it.

But then I'd be fine with things like privately owned toll roads and other things too.

That said, I understand your position. It's just too draconian, too one-sized fits all. But...I'm not surprised by it and respect where you're coming from.

If we take out reasoning, if we ignore circumstances in situations and apply a broad brush to everything, then why bother having judges at all? Or juries? Let's just forget the facts, have arbitrators decide everything and let's make every mistake humans make punitive.

After all, people "need to learn" and the kids deserve "role models."

I just don't agree.

[RainMaker]

I wouldn't opposed this. But I realize it's not practical and I'm in the minority. But I'd be fine with it.

But then I'd be fine with things like privately owned toll roads and other things too.

That said, I understand your position. It's just too draconian, too one-sized fits all. But...I'm not surprised by it and respect where you're coming from.

If we take out reasoning, if we ignore circumstances in situations and apply a broad brush to everything, then why bother having judges at all? Or juries? Let's just forget the facts, have arbitrators decide everything and let's make every mistake humans make punitive.

After all, people "need to learn" and the kids deserve "role models."

I just don't agree.

You're really fine with not having a prison system for pedophiles and murderers? You didn't like someone you're sitting next to at a game and you can just stab them in the throat with no consequences? That's more like anarchy than anything.

[stevew]

But if the guy doesn't step off the curb outside of the proper place, there's probably not contact at all. That's the extenuating circumstance here that makes it a lot less cut & dry to me than the standard drunk-driver-kills-someone story. In this case, it took two to tango, which is why I'm still surprised he pled guilty since I really don't believe a jury would have convicted him of this level of charge.

Exactly. This could have been way uglier for the dude's loved ones, if Stallworth beat the charges and they got nothing.

Stallworth killed the guy, and that's horrible. But it wasn't like he tried to run away like most people might have.

[NewIdentity]

Stallworth killed the guy, and that's horrible. But it wasn't like he tried to run away like most people might have.
No it is not like he was drunk or anything!

I think a 4 game suspension for murder is on par for the NFL.

[Kodos]

I'd have more sympathy for Stallworth if he'd been sober when the accident happened. Maybe the guy did try to cross the road in a place where he shouldn't have. But the fact the Stallworth was drunk at the time skews things heavily in the "punish him with lots of jail time" direction. Maybe if he wasn't drunk, he could have avoided the pedestrian.

I'd feel the same way if he'd been talking on his cell phone at the time of the accident.

[NewIdentity]

Dany Heatley (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64521-2005Feb4.html) got probation in his case. But he plays hockey.
I read that entire article on Heatley, but I did not see anything about Heatley being drunk?



Drunk Driving is never an accident. It is something people do on purpose, knowing full well what they are doing and what the results of their actions can likely be. IT is not like the person accidentally drinks alcohol, then accidentally gets behind the wheel of a car; That is unless someone slipped something into his Pop can!

[Samdari]

But it wasn't like he tried to run away like most people might have.

Right. He stopped. He tried to get the guy help. He was cooperative with the authorities. That and the crosswalk thing, plus expensive lawyers, made this less than a slam dunk prosecution.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I read that entire article on Heatley, but I did not see anything about Heatley being drunk?

He was drinking but was not believed to be legally drunk at the time of the crash.

He was however driving more than 80 mph in a 35 mph zone (on a road that has seen more than its share of serious accidents from people flying down it)

[Young Drachma]

You're really fine with not having a prison system for pedophiles and murderers? You didn't like someone you're sitting next to at a game and you can just stab them in the throat with no consequences? That's more like anarchy than anything.

Anarcho-capitalism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarcho-capitalism)

[duckman]

NFL suspends Stallworth indefinitely...

hxxp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4270311

[flounder]

Turns out he was high on pot (http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/breaking-news/story/1121770.html) too.


After fatally striking a pedestrian on the MacArthur Causeway in a March drunk driving accident, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth also tested positive for marijuana use, law enforcement sources say.

...

Miami-Dade prosecutors say his blood alcohol level was .126, well above the legal limit, when his Bentley hit and killed Mario Reyes, 59, on the morning of March 14.

[PackerFanatic]

I heard a small clip on ESPN that this news, as well as other news that hasn't been released to the public yet, was fully known by the prosecutors, defense, and judge at the time of the trial. And yet - still only 30 days in jail.

[gstelmack]

There are also reports of security camera footage showing the guy basically darting out into traffic right in front of him, indicating that a perfectly sober Stallworth still would have run him over and killed him. If that's true he's getting 30 days for DUI basically...

[Logan]

Heard the 911 call. While Stallworth sounded scared, he sounded pretty sober.

[RainMaker]

Regardless of the situation, it's still a DUI and it still increases the risk of fatalities. They just sentenced some people in California for shooting porn for a year, but Donte gets 30 days. Interesting justice system.

[BishopMVP]

Turns out he was high on pot (http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/breaking-news/story/1121770.html) too.Not quite. "Traces of marijuana" indicates he ingested it sometime in the last 30 days, not that he was high on it at the time. Just as him being legally drunk doesn't mean the other guy wasn't at fault.

[panerd]

There are also reports of security camera footage showing the guy basically darting out into traffic right in front of him, indicating that a perfectly sober Stallworth still would have run him over and killed him. If that's true he's getting 30 days for DUI basically...

I just saw footage of what has been loosely described by the media as a guy crossing the road and getting killed. It looks like a fucking 8 lane expressway with a giant median right by Stallworth's car. If you haven't seen this footage yet on ESPN it may change your opinion a bit. (your opinion meaning anyone not gstelmack even though I quoted him)

[BishopMVP]

I just saw footage of what has been loosely described by the media as a guy crossing the road and getting killed. It looks like a fucking 8 lane expressway with a giant median right by Stallworth's car. If you haven't seen this footage yet on ESPN it may change your opinion a bit. (your opinion meaning anyone not gstelmack even though I quoted him)+1. Why would anyone ever try to cross that on foot? I've seen major highways with speed limits of 55 that look safer and easier to cross than that.

[NewIdentity]

I'm confused. Stallworth received 2 years of house arrest, so why are people talking about a 4 - 8 game suspension? Surely he can not play in the NFL while he is under House Arrest?

I understand he will be allowed to play while under his 8 years of probation, but how can he play if he is under house arrest for the next 2 years? I wonder if any NFL players have ever been allowed to play games while under house arrest? What would he do for away games; take his house with him?

[molson]

I'm confused. Stallworth received 2 years of house arrest, so why are people talking about a 4 - 8 game suspension? Surely he can not play in the NFL while he is under House Arrest?

I understand he will be allowed to play while under his 8 years of probation, but how can he play if he is under house arrest for the next 2 years? I wonder if any NFL players have ever been allowed to play games while under house arrest? What would he do for away games; take his house with him?

He'd be allowed to leave for work. He'd probably need special permission to travel for work, but since that's the nature of his job, it shouldn't be a problem.

[fantom1979]

I understand he will be allowed to play while under his 8 years of probation, but how can he play if he is under house arrest for the next 2 years? I wonder if any NFL players have ever been allowed to play games while under house arrest? What would he do for away games; take his house with him?

If I ever get House Arrest, i am buying a mobile home

[Logan]

Suspended for the entire 2009 season, according to ESPN.

Gotta say I'm a bit surprised.

[MikeVic]

Yeah, I'm completely surprised. A whole season?? I haven't followed this story completely, but I thought it was established that the pedestrian was doing a very stupid crossing and would've been hit regardless of a DUI or not.

[Thomkal]

have to say I'm surprised its a whole year too, given what suspension he gave Michael Vick. The guy admitted to everything up front right from the start, did his time, never lied to the commissioner, was remorseful, and stayed out of trouble since. I think a year is a bit harsh given all this. Killing someone is huge of course, but kinda scratching my head at this suspension.

[larrymcg421]

I don't mind Stallworth's punishment being that severe. I just wish Vick's had been even more severe.

[Noop]

This is a pretty shitty decision from the commissioner unless he is being suspended for drugs(I believe he was high at the time) I don't get the severity of the punishment. Does his team get reimbursed in the form of a waiver or draft pick?

Color me confused.

[Young Drachma]

Not surprised by the suspension of a year. I think we all knew it'd be that. Easily. As for the future of his career, I wonder a bit what the Browns will do in the wake of his suspension whether they'll let him come back or not or if they'll try to get out of the deal.

I don't like Goddell at all, but...he's doing what the owners want, I guess.

[gstelmack]

He's sending a message to Leonard Little that if he screws up a THIRD time, he'll really get it...

[molson]

I wonder how much the the NFL takes into account the criminal punishments. As in Vick only got a few games, but he was out a few years prior to that. If he had just gotten probation and no jail time, the NFL penalty may have been harsher.

And if Stallworth got 2 years prison, then the NFL might of let him back right when he was out.

[Eaglesfan27]

I wonder how much the the NFL takes into account the criminal punishments. As in Vick only got a few games, but he was out a few years prior to that. If he had just gotten probation and no jail time, the NFL penalty may have been harsher.

And if Stallworth got 2 years prison, then the NFL might of let him back right when he was out.

My thoughts exactly. I'm fully behind Goodell in this decision, as I have been of almost every one of his decisions.

[gstelmack]

Peter King is reporting (or reported yesterday in his MMQB column) that Stallworth is likely to be reinstated following the Super Bowl. This is one of the few cases where I think the player has taken full responsibility and done everything in his power to correct his mistake and would not have any issue with him coming back in. I still like how Stallworth handled this and wish more athletes would act like this.

[stevew]

With no cap in 2010, I'd imagine the Browns will give him the opportunity to make their club. He's only due 1.5m in base salary, IIRC.