Stallworth formally charged with DUI manslaughter
Browns receiver Donte Stallworth was charged with DUI manslaughter in a Florida courtroom on Thursday morning stemming from an incident a few months ago in which he struck and killed a pedestrian with his car. If he’s found guilty, he would face a mandatory four-year prison sentence.
The plea was entered at a brief court hearing Thursday by defense attorney Christopher Lyons. The 28-year-old Stallworth did not appear in court. A trial date has not been set.
Stallworth faces up to 15 years if convicted. Police say Stallworth was driving drunk after a night on the town when he struck and killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes on a Miami Beach causeway.
Stallworth is free on $200,000 bail and is required to abstain from alcohol, not drive and observe a curfew.
It’s reported that Stallworth’s defense team will try and argue that the victim was just as much at fault for the accident because he was jaywalking across a busy street. Stallworth has already claimed that tried to flash his lights to warn the pedestrian, but the fact that he was driving while impaired will work against him.
What options do the Browns have? Will the NFL suspend him now that he has been charged?
Good question.
Under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, any player that is arrested or charged will be required to undergo a consultation and additional counseling as directed. Failure to comply with the consultation and counseling will be punishable by fine or suspension at the discretion of Roger Goodell.
So, as with Vick, Goodell might suspend Stallworth indefinitely and let the legal process take its course first. After that, Goodell could make a formal suspension, as he might do with Vick.
If he is suspended indefinitely, the Browns aren’t on the hook for his salary during that time. However, Stallworth was already paid the remainder of his bonus a couple months ago, so they don’t save any money there. Chances are they’ll keep him on the roster since they’ve already paid him.