Stallworth Suspended for 2009
The NFL has suspended wide receiver Donte' Stallworth for the 2009 season, without pay, after he pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter, when he killed an innocent person while driving intoxicated. Here's what Roger Goodell had to say:
"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," Goodell continued. "In that respect, you are clearly guilty of conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL.
"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."
And here's what Stallworth had to say:
"Commissioner Goodell called me this morning. Obviously, I am disappointed, but, as I said previously, I accept the Commissioner's decision. Regardless of the length of my suspension, I will carry the burden of Mr. Reyes' death for the rest of my life.
"I urge NFL fans not to judge NFL players or me based on my tragic lapse in judgment. I am a good person who did a bad thing. I will use the period of my suspension to reflect, fulfill my obligations, and use this experience to make a positive impact on the lives of those who look up to NFL players."
I agree with this decision. After all, Stallworth KILLED a man. It may have been by accident, but it still happened. I'm shocked he didn't get more legal discipline (only 24 days in jail). Stallworth will serve his suspension, hopefully with no other incidents, and get a chance to play in the NFL again. I believe in second chances, just not third and fourth. Stallworth might never find a team to take a chance on him, though. He killed someone, and will have to live with that for the rest of his life.
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