Stallworth suspended indefinitely

  • Associated Press
  • Posted June 18, 2009 at 5:10 p.m., updated June 18, 2009 at 6:56 p.m.

NEW YORK - Donte’ Stallworth will get out of jail in four weeks. Now it’s up to Roger Goodell to say when the Cleveland Browns receiver can return to the field.

Stallworth was indefinitely suspended by the NFL commissioner Thursday, two days after he began a 30-day jail sentence for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk in Miami.

In a letter to Stallworth, Goodell said Thursday the player’s actions caused “irreparable harm.” He will not be paid while suspended.

Stallworth, a former Tennessee Vol, pleaded guilty this month to a DUI manslaughter charge for striking Mario Reyes on March 14. He began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday and has reached a financial settlement with the family of the 59-year-old construction worker.

After jail, the 28-year-old Stallworth must serve two years of house arrest and spend eight years on probation. The house arrest provisions would allow him to play.

“The conduct reflected in your guilty plea resulted in the tragic loss of life and was inexcusable,” Goodell wrote. “While the criminal justice system has determined the legal consequences of this incident, it is my responsibility as NFL commissioner to determine appropriate league discipline for your actions, which have caused irreparable harm to the victim and his family, your club, your fellow players and the NFL.”

In the letter, excerpts of which were released by the NFL, Goodell said he will eventually contact Stallworth’s representatives before determining the length of the suspension.

Browns spokesman Neal Gulkis said the team would comment later.

The last indefinite suspension by Goodell was of Adam “Pacman” Jones of the Dallas Cowboys in October 2008. The suspension later became a six-week ban.

After a night of drinking at a bar in Miami Beach’s Fountainebleau hotel, police said Stallworth hit Reyes, who was rushing to catch a bus after finishing work about 7:15 a.m. Stallworth told police he flashed his lights in an attempt to warn Reyes, who was not in a crosswalk.

Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level well above Florida’s legal limit.

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Comments » 35

GreenDevilVol writes:

Well here we go.Lets see how the NFL handles this one.

teampenny#658108 writes:

How long would the victim got if he ran over and killed Donte? Sad to see another former Vol screw up. Go Vols

NobodyCares (Inactive) writes:

FWIW:

Krusty_The_Kiffin = utwhinesalot = zrotag = gatorz7 = lil' zzgatorboy

Get ready for silly, incessant drivel...

kiffownsfla writes:

in response to Krusty_The_Kiffin:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Dont think this has a dam thing to do with vol football or us landing anyone !

bemami writes:

in response to teampenny#658108:

How long would the victim got if he ran over and killed Donte? Sad to see another former Vol screw up. Go Vols

Yes, it is sad to see Vols screw up. It's even sadder to bury family members, don't you think?
I believe Stallworth is the third Vol or former Vol to kill someone with a car in the last 10 years or so.
The list of UT athletes arrested on lesser charges and released or given light sentences is even longer.
Politically, East Tennessee is a conservative, law and order sort of place. But any UT athlete gets off light here, or in other places if enough money changes hands.
As an outsider to this region, let me say that nationally, UT is considered Thug U. and its fans a group of short-sighted hillbillies. Sorry, but UT and Knoxville have earned this reputation. Only the short-sighted would focus on freeing Stallworth and never offer a word of concern for this man's victim or other victims of UT athletes. For shame.

smyrnavol writes:

in response to Witch_Doctor:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

we're on the same page, different wording. thanks doc.

BigAl writes:

in response to bemami:

Yes, it is sad to see Vols screw up. It's even sadder to bury family members, don't you think?
I believe Stallworth is the third Vol or former Vol to kill someone with a car in the last 10 years or so.
The list of UT athletes arrested on lesser charges and released or given light sentences is even longer.
Politically, East Tennessee is a conservative, law and order sort of place. But any UT athlete gets off light here, or in other places if enough money changes hands.
As an outsider to this region, let me say that nationally, UT is considered Thug U. and its fans a group of short-sighted hillbillies. Sorry, but UT and Knoxville have earned this reputation. Only the short-sighted would focus on freeing Stallworth and never offer a word of concern for this man's victim or other victims of UT athletes. For shame.

The guy ran out into traffic and got hit. Had Stallworth not been drinking, he'd have still hit the guy, but it would have just been called an accident, and that would have been that. But because he'd been drinking, he has to be hounded over it for the rest of his life. The Florida authorities knew the situation, realized it was, in fact, an accident, and thus the relatively light penalty. As for the victim's family, they wanted to settle up early so as to go ahead and get their money. They are OK with it. I hope to see DS back on the field soon.

bemami writes:

in response to Witch_Doctor:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Good point, Witchdoctor. Yes, the Florida DA's office was so generous to Stallworth that they seem like sissies or, more importantly, like DA's who care too little for justice. But the same point can be made over and over for Tennessee prosecutors and judges, can't it? Now that seems dishonorable to me.

I can't believe that money paid to the victim's family can make up for a lost life, as some posters have implied.

And I'm troubled by a local culture (sic) that forgives almost any offense by an athlete. Doing so perpetuates the thug atmosphere and sharpens the national perception of UT as a third rate sort of place, hardly a university at all. I take no pleasure in saying so.

I don't understand your reference to bones. Could you explain?

KingVol writes:

in response to bemami:

Yes, it is sad to see Vols screw up. It's even sadder to bury family members, don't you think?
I believe Stallworth is the third Vol or former Vol to kill someone with a car in the last 10 years or so.
The list of UT athletes arrested on lesser charges and released or given light sentences is even longer.
Politically, East Tennessee is a conservative, law and order sort of place. But any UT athlete gets off light here, or in other places if enough money changes hands.
As an outsider to this region, let me say that nationally, UT is considered Thug U. and its fans a group of short-sighted hillbillies. Sorry, but UT and Knoxville have earned this reputation. Only the short-sighted would focus on freeing Stallworth and never offer a word of concern for this man's victim or other victims of UT athletes. For shame.

you r an ignorant S-O-B

KingVol writes:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

KingVol writes:

in response to KingVol:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

halloffamebowler writes:

in response to KingVol:

you r an ignorant S-O-B

you are way too soft.He is by far worse than that.

KingVol writes:

in response to BIPOLAR_BEAR:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Thank you

KingVol writes:

in response to Vol_RobE:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

SMART@SS

chad_t31 writes:

in response to bemami:

Yes, it is sad to see Vols screw up. It's even sadder to bury family members, don't you think?
I believe Stallworth is the third Vol or former Vol to kill someone with a car in the last 10 years or so.
The list of UT athletes arrested on lesser charges and released or given light sentences is even longer.
Politically, East Tennessee is a conservative, law and order sort of place. But any UT athlete gets off light here, or in other places if enough money changes hands.
As an outsider to this region, let me say that nationally, UT is considered Thug U. and its fans a group of short-sighted hillbillies. Sorry, but UT and Knoxville have earned this reputation. Only the short-sighted would focus on freeing Stallworth and never offer a word of concern for this man's victim or other victims of UT athletes. For shame.

I, for one personally, don't give a damn what outsiders think of us. Short-sighted as to you being narrow-minded my friend. We, as fans, didn't sentence donte, nor do many of us agree with the decision he made that cost a man his life. To come on here and bash the fans and calling us hillbillies, only shows ur maturity level, or lack thereof. Since ur an outsider, do us all a favor and stay that way.

golfballs03 writes:

in response to Krusty_The_Kiffin:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

This is actually kind of funny

golfballs03 writes:

in response to bemami:

Good point, Witchdoctor. Yes, the Florida DA's office was so generous to Stallworth that they seem like sissies or, more importantly, like DA's who care too little for justice. But the same point can be made over and over for Tennessee prosecutors and judges, can't it? Now that seems dishonorable to me.

I can't believe that money paid to the victim's family can make up for a lost life, as some posters have implied.

And I'm troubled by a local culture (sic) that forgives almost any offense by an athlete. Doing so perpetuates the thug atmosphere and sharpens the national perception of UT as a third rate sort of place, hardly a university at all. I take no pleasure in saying so.

I don't understand your reference to bones. Could you explain?

You also don't understand the law, apparently.

chad_t31 writes:

Oh and by the way, the PROSECUTORS presented the plea agreement!!

golfballs03 writes:

in response to bemami:

Yes, it is sad to see Vols screw up. It's even sadder to bury family members, don't you think?
I believe Stallworth is the third Vol or former Vol to kill someone with a car in the last 10 years or so.
The list of UT athletes arrested on lesser charges and released or given light sentences is even longer.
Politically, East Tennessee is a conservative, law and order sort of place. But any UT athlete gets off light here, or in other places if enough money changes hands.
As an outsider to this region, let me say that nationally, UT is considered Thug U. and its fans a group of short-sighted hillbillies. Sorry, but UT and Knoxville have earned this reputation. Only the short-sighted would focus on freeing Stallworth and never offer a word of concern for this man's victim or other victims of UT athletes. For shame.

Stallworth got a lesser charge because according to Florida law, Reyes was jaywalking and therefore contributed to the accident. Justice according to the law was served in this case, and if you don't like it then you call petition the Florida state legislature to change the law.

CoverOrange writes:

in response to bemami:

Yes, it is sad to see Vols screw up. It's even sadder to bury family members, don't you think?
I believe Stallworth is the third Vol or former Vol to kill someone with a car in the last 10 years or so.
The list of UT athletes arrested on lesser charges and released or given light sentences is even longer.
Politically, East Tennessee is a conservative, law and order sort of place. But any UT athlete gets off light here, or in other places if enough money changes hands.
As an outsider to this region, let me say that nationally, UT is considered Thug U. and its fans a group of short-sighted hillbillies. Sorry, but UT and Knoxville have earned this reputation. Only the short-sighted would focus on freeing Stallworth and never offer a word of concern for this man's victim or other victims of UT athletes. For shame.

Leonard Little - tried and sentenced in Missouri.
Dwayne Goodrich - tried and sentenced in Texas.
Donte Stallworth - tried and sentenced in Florida.
Travis Henry - in Colorado.
Jamal Lewis - in Georgia.
The DT that caved in the face of fellow student gave UT the black eye it sports now, I agree. But most other charges are by first timers where judges are usually lenient with anyone.

Read the previous articles on this subject and the posts. 98% say Donte should have gone to jail for a long time. A few are out right sarcastic and don't count.

East Tennesseans don't condone this, obviously. Please reconsider your short-sightedness regarding "hillbillies".

As for those that think UT is Thug U. They are probably the ones that think they got a tax cut last April.

cincivol writes:

Funny thing is I have not noticed anyone paying attention to the fact that the victims family believes Donte is remorseful and agreed with the plea. Not that its about money but Im sure they will be taken care of. All I can say is if it was my family member I would tell anyone with an opinion to just shutup and take care of your own business. The family is the living victim and they were as much in agreement as Donte and the Prosecutor!!!

KingVol writes:

in response to CoverOrange:

Leonard Little - tried and sentenced in Missouri.
Dwayne Goodrich - tried and sentenced in Texas.
Donte Stallworth - tried and sentenced in Florida.
Travis Henry - in Colorado.
Jamal Lewis - in Georgia.
The DT that caved in the face of fellow student gave UT the black eye it sports now, I agree. But most other charges are by first timers where judges are usually lenient with anyone.

Read the previous articles on this subject and the posts. 98% say Donte should have gone to jail for a long time. A few are out right sarcastic and don't count.

East Tennesseans don't condone this, obviously. Please reconsider your short-sightedness regarding "hillbillies".

As for those that think UT is Thug U. They are probably the ones that think they got a tax cut last April.

Your I.Q. is higher than most who reply on this sight.

bemami writes:

in response to CoverOrange:

Leonard Little - tried and sentenced in Missouri.
Dwayne Goodrich - tried and sentenced in Texas.
Donte Stallworth - tried and sentenced in Florida.
Travis Henry - in Colorado.
Jamal Lewis - in Georgia.
The DT that caved in the face of fellow student gave UT the black eye it sports now, I agree. But most other charges are by first timers where judges are usually lenient with anyone.

Read the previous articles on this subject and the posts. 98% say Donte should have gone to jail for a long time. A few are out right sarcastic and don't count.

East Tennesseans don't condone this, obviously. Please reconsider your short-sightedness regarding "hillbillies".

As for those that think UT is Thug U. They are probably the ones that think they got a tax cut last April.

Thanks, Turbofan, for an informative post. Please note that I said the national perception of UT and its fans is negative --- thugs and hillbillies. Personally, I've met some fine people in Knoxville. I've also met too many like the posters above who could offer only physical threats and curses rather than intelligent rejoinders. That kind of response only makes these national stereotypes more viable.

I apologize to anyone offended by the word "hillbilly", and I'll end with some suggestions and topics for discussion: UT and other football schools ( Florida and Oklahoma come to mind) should focus more on players with good characters. The universities loosely attached to these giant football programs should focus more on academic excellence, and the citizens of these states should do so as well. As for taxes, I'll pay more to support education, but not athletics, especially when tuition is rising and faculty positions are being cut. Will you? Peace, my friends.

abnermc writes:

in response to bemami:

Thanks, Turbofan, for an informative post. Please note that I said the national perception of UT and its fans is negative --- thugs and hillbillies. Personally, I've met some fine people in Knoxville. I've also met too many like the posters above who could offer only physical threats and curses rather than intelligent rejoinders. That kind of response only makes these national stereotypes more viable.

I apologize to anyone offended by the word "hillbilly", and I'll end with some suggestions and topics for discussion: UT and other football schools ( Florida and Oklahoma come to mind) should focus more on players with good characters. The universities loosely attached to these giant football programs should focus more on academic excellence, and the citizens of these states should do so as well. As for taxes, I'll pay more to support education, but not athletics, especially when tuition is rising and faculty positions are being cut. Will you? Peace, my friends.

At UT the athletic dept. gives money (lots of money)to support academics every year. We've been throwing money at education (K -12)in this country for decades. It has not helped.

chad_t31 writes:

in response to zrotag:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

If you'd pay attention...do u understand the definition of "plea agreement"?? Also as I stated before, the victim's family proposed the agreement. If both parties agree to the deal, then case closed. I would suggest u write ur state representative but since ur actually in tn, that wouldn't change the law in fl.

chad_t31 writes:

Just watch law & order, u see plea agreements all the time. Simpletons.

CoverOrange writes:

in response to bemami:

Thanks, Turbofan, for an informative post. Please note that I said the national perception of UT and its fans is negative --- thugs and hillbillies. Personally, I've met some fine people in Knoxville. I've also met too many like the posters above who could offer only physical threats and curses rather than intelligent rejoinders. That kind of response only makes these national stereotypes more viable.

I apologize to anyone offended by the word "hillbilly", and I'll end with some suggestions and topics for discussion: UT and other football schools ( Florida and Oklahoma come to mind) should focus more on players with good characters. The universities loosely attached to these giant football programs should focus more on academic excellence, and the citizens of these states should do so as well. As for taxes, I'll pay more to support education, but not athletics, especially when tuition is rising and faculty positions are being cut. Will you? Peace, my friends.

Thanks for a civil response. Much needed around here.

As always, it is up to the individual, athlete or otherwise, to make the most of their opportunities in the classroom or on the field. Just as there is a minimum test score for academics I wish there was a minimum for character.

CoverOrange writes:

in response to KingVol:

Your I.Q. is higher than most who reply on this sight.

Thanks. All credit goes to my parents.

jimr07 writes:

in response to KingVol:

SMART@SS

nafy is back. i am surprised he did not bash peyton like he usually does.

winningvol writes:

in response to bemami:

Yes, it is sad to see Vols screw up. It's even sadder to bury family members, don't you think?
I believe Stallworth is the third Vol or former Vol to kill someone with a car in the last 10 years or so.
The list of UT athletes arrested on lesser charges and released or given light sentences is even longer.
Politically, East Tennessee is a conservative, law and order sort of place. But any UT athlete gets off light here, or in other places if enough money changes hands.
As an outsider to this region, let me say that nationally, UT is considered Thug U. and its fans a group of short-sighted hillbillies. Sorry, but UT and Knoxville have earned this reputation. Only the short-sighted would focus on freeing Stallworth and never offer a word of concern for this man's victim or other victims of UT athletes. For shame.

You are a xenophobic knucklehead. I would suggest that you spend some time in East Tennessee, or, if interstate travel is not within your presumably meager your budget (likely), trying reading up in the topic, if reading is included in your skillset (unlikely), before you attempt further to characterize either UT or the region. Failing that, while its a free country and you are as such entitled to diplay openly your abject ignorance, I don't see any advantage to you from broadcasting it.

newtonrail writes:

in response to Vol_RobE:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Naffy, no matter how many times Kaplan boots you, like the proverbial bad penny---well you know. Your act is old. Don't go away mad, just go Robert.

EarthBoundMisfit writes:

This is SO COOL!
Now Michael Vick has someone else he can throw the ball too...he now has Plexico Burress and Donte.
Now if a about 20 more guys get indefinitely suspended...they can all start their own team.

LadyVolsEighTimes writes:

"Stallworth, a former Tennessee Vol, pleaded guilty this month to a DUI manslaughter charge for striking Mario Reyes on March 14. "

Don't you have to love how anything connected to the Vol's is national news? I don't think the sentaence was appropriate, but that isn't up to me. I do have a question?? Did this article basically say that being a Tennessee Vol allows you to get away with all but Murder? UT is carrying major weight none of us knew about!!

EarthBoundMisfit writes:

in response to BIPOLAR_BEAR:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

well gee...when was the last time you heard about one of OUR athletes getting drunk and killing someone...and basically getting away with it??
Doesn't this make the SECOND UT athlete to pull this off (Leonard Little was the other)
UT fans everywhere must be proud.

stroker writes:

in response to Witch_Doctor:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Ditto doc to "bemami" he asked for that. Good post & quick.

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