Donte Stallworth has a new Home

It seems that Donte Stallworth, out of football for a year after being suspended for his conviction of vehicular homicide while intoxicated, has found somewhere to play football this upcoming season.

Stallworth, who was released by the Cleveland Browns as soon as he was reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, signed a contract today with the Baltimore Ravens.

The story from the Baltimore Sun RIGHT HERE

((Donte Stallworth plays football//Courtesy: Andy Lyons/Getty Images))

Stallworth, whose best season was a 70 catch year back in 2005 with New Orleans gives the Ravens some depth at a position where they are perennially weak. It also gives Stallworth, who reportedly had a $3 million dollar settlement agreement with the family of the man he killed, a chance to reclaim his career.

Here is some video of Stallworth pleading guilty in a Miami Courtroom. Thanks Miami Herald and the You Tube:

Donte Stallworth Out For Season

But he was more than happy to update all of us on his Twitter account ((http://twitter.com/D_Stallworth18)) about how everything will be fine...((Stallworth is pictured, thanks Tracy Boulian/The Plain Dealer))

"I'M A LITTLE WOUNDED, BUT I'M NOT SLAIN; I WILL LAY ME DOWN 4A WHILE 2 BLEED, THEN I'LL RISE & FIGHT WITH YOU AGAIN" -John Dryden

Dryden is known for 30 published works from 1660-1700 in Great Britain...

But Donte forgot the top end: "Fight on, my merry men all,I'm a little wounded..."

And the poem he pulled it from...?
"Johnnie Armstrong's Last Goodnight..."
Insert appropriate irony here...

Apparently, there's been some Facebook traffic as well- which Stallworth is denying is actually his... there are 48 "Donte Stallworth" based Facebook elements. He, obviously, has the time to chase every one...

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has the "good news" from the Browns perspective...

"The suspension actually is good news to the Browns because now they don't have to release him and suffer a sizable hit to their 2009 salary cap. It's possible the salary cap will be abolished for 2010. If so, there would be no penalty to the club for releasing him after he is reinstated.

The Browns will get a credit on this year's cap for Stallworth's $745,000 base salary. They still must honor the $4.5 million roster bonus, and, in fact, have paid $2.25 million already."

Here are excerpts from the letter Commissioner Roger Goodell sent to Stallworth
((HT: NFL.com))

"As you recognized both at and following the hearing, guilt or innocence as a matter of criminal law is not the same as a violation of NFL policies. Here, longstanding league policies make clear that discipline is warranted "if a player is convicted of or admits to a violation of the law … relating to the use of alcohol." The degree of discipline may take into account "aggravating circumstances, including but not limited to felonious conduct or felonious injury or death of third parties…" All of those factors are present here. There is no question that your actions had tragic consequences to an innocent man and his family, and that you have violated both the Substances of Abuse and Personal Conduct Policies. In that respect, you are clearly guilty of conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL."

"Nor do I find that the outcome in the Florida courts is controlling in terms of determining disciplinary consequences within the NFL. The considerations that applied in Florida, particularly with respect to criminal standards of proof, claims of contributory negligence, consideration of crowded court dockets, and the like, do not enter into this decision. Without regard to the merits of the disposition of the criminal case, I believe that further consequences are necessary."

"In my view, the essential facts are that you had alcohol in your system well above the legal limit, made a conscious decision to drive, and struck and killed a man. As you recognize, this conduct and the loss of life has caused serious damage to the NFL and NFL players generally. Legal arguments that focus on criminal liability under Florida law do not diminish that damage or your responsibility for your conduct."

"Despite a repeated emphasis on the importance of avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, you chose to drive under circumstances where you were legally impaired. And you did so even though safe and confidential alternatives, such as the "Safe Ride" program, were available to you. Your conduct endangered yourself and others, leading to the death of an innocent man. The NFL and NFL players must live with the stain that you have placed on their reputations."

Our biggest question now is what does Big Marty at OSG HQ think about the whole thing...??? His reaction will be posted soon...

Stallworth Apologizes After Goodell Meeting

((HT: CBSSports))

Suspended Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth feels he has done "irreparable harm" to the family of the man he killed while driving drunk and said he is ready to accept whatever ruling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell makes on his future.

Stallworth, suspended indefinitely by the league for killing Mario Reyes while driving drunk in Miami, met with Goodell in New York on Wednesday about a possible reinstatement.

Stallworth was recently released from jail after serving 24 days for the DUI conviction.

In a public statement released Thursday, Stallworth apologized for his actions and vowed to conduct himself "in a manner that more accurately reflects who I am and meets the high standard expected of all NFL players."

"I recognize that there is a difference between the legal standard in my criminal case and the standard to which NFL players are held," Stallworth said. "It is clear that I exercised poor judgment and caused irreparable harm to Mario Reyes, his family, the NFL, its owners, coaches, employees and to my fellow players."

Stallworth thanked Goodell for the opportunity to express his remorse and said he will accept whatever punishment Goodell hands down.

"Whatever he ultimately decides is the appropriate discipline, I will accept knowing that I have profoundly affected the NFL and its relationship with the fans of our game," Stallworth said. "I jeopardized the honor and privilege that I have been given to be an NFL player and to play for our fans. I am truly sorry."

The league has given no indication when Goodell will rule on Stallworth, who struck and killed Reyes on March 14, just a few hours after drinking at a Miami Beach club.

Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level of .126, above Florida's .08 legal limit.

The Browns have deferred all questions about Stallworth to the league. Coach Eric Mangini said Wednesday the team will address Stallworth's situation after Goodell makes his decision.

Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson offered his sympathy to everyone involved in the tragedy.

"It's a tough situation," Jackson said after practice on Thursday. "I hope the best for both sides. Donte is a friend of mine. It's something he has to deal with. I haven't spoken to him, but I wish him the best and I wish the best for the Reyes family for their loss. It's not a good ending to anything. I pray for them both."

Stallworth reached an undisclosed financial settlement with Reyes' family. Besides his time in jail, his sentence included two years of house arrest, probation and other restrictions.

Stallworth Released From Jail

((HT: WSVN-TV))

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth has been released from a Miami jail after serving 24 days of his DUI manslaughter case.

His attorney, Christopher Lyons, says Stallworth was released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center early Friday. Lyons says Stallworth is at home and plans to "fulfill his obligations under the plea agreement and spend time with his family."

The 28-year-old Stallworth served 24 of the 30-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter.

Stallworth has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL. He signed a signed a seven-year, $35 million contract with the Browns before last season but was injured much of the year, finishing with 17 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown.

Here's how the story broke on WSVN-TV

Stallworth Didn't "Feel" Drunk Before Crash

((HT: ESPN))

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth ((pictured, thanks WSVN-TV)) told police he drank up to four shots of premium tequila while partying with friends at a Miami Beach club but did not feel drunk in the hours before he struck and killed a pedestrian with his car.

In a recorded interview with police, Stallworth said he met fellow Browns receiver Braylon Edwards and others at a hotel sometime after 2 a.m. on March 14. Stallworth said he drank some tequila from Edwards' table and later bought some shots himself.

"Three, four at the most," Stallworth said. "I wasn't really counting."

When asked if he was intoxicated, Stallworth said: "No, sir."

Lab tests later showed Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level of .126, above Florida's .08 limit.

Stallworth, 28, is serving a 30-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter in the death of 59-year-old Mario Reyes. Stallworth also reached an undisclosed financial settlement with Reyes' family, which factored into his relatively light sentence.

The Stallworth interview with Miami Beach police and other evidence was released Tuesday by prosecutors under a public records request by The Associated Press.

Stallworth said he left the club sometime after 4 a.m., went to his Miami condominium for a nap and then decided to go out for breakfast in his 2005 Bentley. That's when he encountered Reyes, who was leaving his job as a crane operator, crossing a busy road around 7:15 a.m.

"I seen him in the street and I flashed my lights at him to let him at least know I was coming. I tried to swerve over as much as I could," Stallworth said.

Later, his voice falling almost to a whisper, Stallworth said, "If he would have completely stopped and not kept going ... don't know why he kept going. I don't know. I should have just stayed home."

Edwards, 26, said he and Stallworth had drinks earlier in the day by the pool at the hotel before meeting at the nightclub. A receipt shows that Edwards spent $3,443 that night at the club -- including $1,500 on Perrier-Jouet Rose champagne and $695 on Grey Goose vodka -- and he said Stallworth didn't seem impaired when they parted ways early the morning of the crash. Edwards had a room at the hotel.

"We're friends. If he were anything outside himself, I would have told him to stay here. He looked OK. He looked fine," Edwards said in a recorded statement.

Stallworth's credit card receipts shows he bought a $375 bottle of Patron Silver that he sent to Edwards' table, five shots of the tequila for $90, a water and a Red Bull energy drink. Stallworth said some of the shots were for female friends.

The toxicology analysis also confirms reports that Stallworth tested positive for marijuana in addition to alcohol. Neither Stallworth nor Edwards mentioned any use of marijuana.

Stallworth has been suspended indefinitely by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell following the incident. He signed a seven-year, $35 million contract with the Browns before last season but was injured much of the year, finishing with 17 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown. The Tennessee college star has also played in the NFL for New England, Philadelphia and New Orleans.

Stallworth 911 Call Released

((HT: WSVN-TV))

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth ((pictured, thanks WSVN-TV)) said on a 911 call that the man he struck and killed while driving drunk came out of nowhere.

Stallworth is serving a 30-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter in the March 14 death of 59-year-old Mario Reyes. Stallworth also has two years' house arrest after his release from jail and is suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

On the 911 call released Monday, Stallworth describes how the victim "just ran in front of my car." Police have said Reyes was not in a crosswalk and was rushing to catch a bus when he was hit.

Stallworth tells the 911 operator, "You got to send an ambulance right now, man."

Stallworth also reached an undisclosed financial settlement with Reyes' family.

Here's the 911 call...

Stallworth Suspended Indefinitely

((HT: ESPN))

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth, who pleaded guilty Tuesday to DUI manslaughter in the death of a pedestrian in Florida, has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

The suspension is effective immediately, the league announced in an extensive news release Thursday afternoon.

"The conduct reflected in your guilty plea resulted in the tragic loss of life and was inexcusable," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "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."

Stallworth began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday. He also was sentenced to two years of house arrest following his release from jail, and will be on probation for eight years. He had faced 15 years in prison.

The punishment was made possible by his cooperation with investigators and the fervent wish by the victim's family to put the matter behind them.

But Goodell showed no mercy in the wording of his statement.

"There is no reasonable dispute that your continued eligibility for participation at this time would undermine the integrity of and public confidence in our league," he said.

Stallworth, 28, also reached a confidential financial settlement with the family of 59-year-old Mario Reyes, a Miami construction worker struck and killed early on March 14 by Stallworth, who was driving drunk in his black 2005 Bentley.

Stallworth told Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy on Tuesday that he hopes to get involved in drunken driving education programs.

"I accept full responsibility for this horrible tragedy," said Stallworth, who was accompanied at the hearing by his parents, siblings and other supporters. "I will bear this burden for the rest of my life."

Stallworth also must undergo drug and alcohol testing, will have a lifetime driver's license suspension and must perform 1,000 hours of community service.

Stallworth Pleads Guilty

((HT: WSVN-TV))

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth took full responsibility for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk in Florida and began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter.

Stallworth also reached a confidential financial settlement to avoid a potential lawsuit from the family of 59-year-old Mario Reyes, according to Stallworth attorney Christopher Lyons. Reyes was struck and killed March 14 by Stallworth, who was driving his black 2005 Bentley after a night drinking at a swanky hotel bar.

Stallworth, 28, told Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy that he hopes to get involved in drunken driving education programs.

"I accept full responsibility for this horrible tragedy," said Stallworth, who was accompanied at the hearing by his parents, siblings and other supporters. "I will bear this burden for the rest of my life."

Stallworth faced 15 years in prison. After his release from jail, Stallworth must serve two years of house arrest and spend eight years on probation.

The NFL has said it will review the matter for possible disciplinary action. Lyons said the plea agreement will allow Stallworth to resume his football career.

Stallworth also must undergo drug and alcohol testing, will have a lifetime driver's license suspension and must perform 1,000 hours of community service. Lyons said after five years, Stallworth could win approval for limited driving such as for employment.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle cited Stallworth's lack of previous criminal record, cooperation with police and willingness to accept responsibility as factors in the plea deal. Rundle also said the Reyes family -- particularly the victim's 15-year-old daughter -- wanted the case resolved to avoid any more pain.

"For all of these reasons, a just resolution of this case has been reached," Rundle said.

None of the Reyes family attended the hearing. Their attorney, Rodolfo Suarez, read a statement saying the family wants to "bring closure to this emotional and tragic event." Suarez was not immediately available to comment after the hearing.

After a night drinking at a bar in Miami Beach's Fountainebleau hotel, police said Stallworth hit Reyes, a construction crane operator who was rushing to catch a bus after finishing his shift around 7:15 a.m. Stallworth told police he flashed his lights in an attempt to warn Reyes, who was not in a crosswalk when he was struck.

Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level of .126 after the crash, well above Florida's .08 limit. Stallworth stopped after the crash and immediately told officers he had hit Reyes. Police estimated Stallworth was driving about 50 mph in a 40 mph zone.

Stallworth signed a seven-year, $35 million contract with the Browns before last season but was injured much of the year. The California native and University of Tennessee college star has also played in the NFL for New England, Philadelphia and New Orleans.

The night before the crash, Stallworth earned a $4.5 million roster bonus from the Browns.

David Cornwell, a Stallworth attorney handling the NFL situation, said he has kept top league officials apprised of the case.

"Whenever it is appropriate to do so, we are prepared to discuss the circumstances under which Donte' will resume his career," Cornwell said.

Here's more coverage from our friends at WSVN-TV...
Dave Kartunen was at the courthouse...

Stallworth Surrenders To Authorities

((HT: WSVN))

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth surrendered in court Thursday to face charges that he was driving drunk when he struck and killed a pedestrian after a night of drinking at a ritzy Miami Beach hotel. He later was released and expressed condolences to the family of victim Mario Reyes.

Stallworth, 28, was led away in handcuffs after a short hearing before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy. He was released a few hours later on $200,000 bail and was planning to return to Cleveland, according to his lawyer.

In a brief statement outside jail, Stallworth said: "I just want to first extend my condolences to the Reyes family. My prayers are with them." Stallworth also said he has "full confidence and faith" in the legal system.

Stallworth attorney Christopher Lyons said he would "vigorously defend this case" and that the defense team has already begun its own probe into the March 14 crash that killed 59-year-old Reyes. Lyons also expressed sympathy for the Reyes family.

"We want to stress there are no winners here. It was a tragic accident," Lyons said.
Stallworth said little at the hearing. He was accompanied by his mother, Donna, in the courtroom, and was driven away in a silver Lexus after his release from jail.

If convicted of DUI manslaughter, Stallworth faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. The NFL and the Browns are reviewing the charges that also include a separate DUI count, and the Browns issued a statement saying the team is "disappointed" with Stallworth's actions.

The judge set an April 23 arraignment date for Stallworth to enter a plea. Stallworth does not have to be present at that hearing. A police affidavit said Stallworth's blood-alcohol level after the crash was .126, well above Florida's legal limit of .08. Stallworth had been drinking at a club in the swank Fontainebleau hotel in the hours before he got behind the wheel of his black 2005 Bentley GT and headed out on the MacArthur Causeway that links Miami and Miami Beach, authorities said.

Reyes, a construction crane operator just getting off work, was rushing across the causeway shortly after 7 a.m. to catch a bus home. He was not in the crosswalk when he was struck, and Stallworth told officers he flashed his lights and honked his horn in an attempt to warn Reyes.

Stallworth remained at the crash scene and told police "I'm the driver of that car" and "I hit the man lying in the road," according to the affidavit. The car's speed was estimated at 50 mph in a 40 mph zone.

Stallworth, who played in college for Tennessee, 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.

"We are saddened by the circumstances that have taken place and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mario Reyes," the Browns said in their statement. "We have been in communication with the commissioner, who is reviewing the situation under league policies, and we will withhold further comment at this time."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league would review the case under its conduct and substance abuse policies.

Stallworth will be prohibited from driving while on bail and not allowed to drink alcohol, according to court documents. He also must observe a midnight to 6 a.m. curfew and submit to random alcohol and drug testing through the NFL's substance abuse program. He is allowed to travel between Cleveland and Miami and must seek permission for any additional travel.

Here's coverage from Rosh Lowe and our friends from WSVN-TV

Donte Stallworth Is Charged

[HT/AP]

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth will be charged Wednesday with killing a pedestrian last month while driving drunk in Miami, according to people familiar with the case.
Two people said an arrest warrant charging the 28-year-old Stallworth with DUI manslaughter will be filed Wednesday in the March 14 accident that killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes. The people requested anonymity because the charges haven't been announced.

The charge carries a possible 15-year prison sentence. Stallworth's blood-alcohol level after the crash was .12, well above Florida's legal limit of .08, according to results of a blood test. Stallworth will also be charged with DUI, according to the people informed about the case.
Stallworth, who is expected to surrender in court Thursday, released a statement last month saying he was "grief-stricken" over the accident.

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

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.

Rosh Lowe has the update from our friends at WSVN-TV...

Source: Stallworth BAC Over Legal Limit

((HT: WSVN))

A source with knowledge of the investigation has revealed that Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth's blood alcohol level was one to two times over the legal limit when he struck and killed a pedestrian over the weekend.

Miami Beach Police are handling the case and have not confirmed the results of this supposed preliminary toxicology report. The source did note that police and Stallworth's lawyer are negotiating the terms of his surrender.

Though investigators have not revealed how high Stallworth's blood alcohol level was at the time of the collision, in Florida, one must have a blood alcohol level of at least .09 or higher for police to consider him or her too drunk to drive.

On Saturday morning, Stallworth was headed toward South Beach when he struck and killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes with his Bentley on the MacArthur Causeway. Reyes was heading to a bus stop after getting off of work.

Miami Beach Police responded to the scene where they performed a field sobriety test on Stallworth. He also cooperated with a blood test, which the responding officers administered on the scene.

It remains unknown when and where Stallworth will turn himself in to authorities, and it remains unclear whether he is even in the Miami area at all.

Stallworth is expected to face DUI manslaughter charges, which carry a 15-year sentence behind bars, if he is convicted. Even with a plea deal, a conviction would mean mandatory jail time, considering the manslaughter charge.

Here's the story from WSVN... Rosh Lowe has the story...

Stallworth Expected To Be Charged

From Jason Cole at Yahoo Sports:

Miami police have indicated that Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth is expected to be charged as a result of the driving accident that killed a pedestrian early Saturday morning, two sources with knowledge of the investigation said.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, which includes results of a blood test for drugs or alcohol, the sources said driving under the influence, vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving were among the possible charges.

“The police seem pretty confident that they’re going to charge him,” a source with the NFL said. “ … Even if he [is] clean, I think the police feel he’s going to be charged with something, regardless.”

The Miami Herald reported Sunday that a witness to the crash that killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes said it appeared that Stallworth, who has a home in South Florida, drove his Bentley around a stopped vehicle to beat a red light.

A detective source was also told that the police anticipated charging Stallworth, who was reportedly cooperative with police and distraught over Reyes’ death.

“I think it looks like to the police that Stallworth wasn’t being careful, at the very least,” the second source said.

Reyes was leaving his job as an overnight crane operator and trying to get to a bus stop on the southeast end of MacArthur Causeway. The causeway connects Miami Beach to downtown Miami. According to co-workers, Reyes, who left Cuba for Miami as a teenager, was on his way home.

Video of the attempts to resuscitate Reyes is below...
((HT: Miami Herald/WARNING- GRAPHIC IN NATURE))