Browns receiver Donte' Stallworth had at least a trace of marijuana in his blood when tested following his March 14 car accident in Miami Beach that killed pedestrian Mario Reyes.
A statement released by Stallworth's attorney David Cornwell on Monday confirmed that fact, first mentioned by Hall of Famer Jim Brown. Stallworth's blood alcohol level was .126, well over Florida's legal limit of .08.
Stallworth pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter and began serving a 30-day jail sentence in Miami on June 16. He was also sentenced to 10 years probation, the first two years under "community control." Two days later, he was indefinitely suspended from the NFL by commissioner Roger Goodell, who will determine a more specific penalty for Stallworth when he meets with him.
Cornwell's statement said, "Evidence leaked or released over the coming days and weeks will reflect exculpatory statements and acts by Donte', the presence of marijuana in his blood, and it will highlight the critical issue of causation. Miami law enforcement personnel, the prosecution, the defense, and the court were fully aware of all of the evidence when the plea agreement was reached. We will continue to address these matters candidly and privately with the NFL.
"The NFL’s substance abuse policy addresses the specific discipline that may be imposed for use of illegal substances. We are confident that commissioner Goodell will respect existing league polices and consider all of the evidence when making his disciplinary assessment."
The Miami Beach police report stated that Reyes, who had just left work and was rushing to catch a bus, was not in the crosswalk when he was struck.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Stallworth was NOT at fault in the death of Reyes. I think that he received bad legal advice to plead guilty to DUI manslaughter. The only thing that he should have been penalized for is DUI>
r m kraus
akron
Another interesting article from your blog
When will it stop….hopefully never