Stallworth linked to past woes
April 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Browns receiver Donté Stallworth was already in the NFL's substance-abuse program before being charged with DUI manslaughter, according to a report, meaning he most likely would face stiffer sanctions from the NFL if convicted.
In March 2007, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Stallworth was a participant in the league's substance-abuse program and faced a suspension if he violated the conditions again. Asked about the report a week later when he signed with the Patriots, Stallworth told the Associated Press, "All that stuff is in the past. There was a situation a couple years ago. There's nothing now that's going on that will affect me preparing for helping this team."
Stallworth, 28, surrendered in a Miami courtroom Thursday morning on the DUI manslaughter charges in connection with the death of pedestrian Mario Reyes, 59.
He made a brief appearance in front of Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis J. Murphy before being led away in handcuffs for booking. He was released a few hours later on $200,000 bail.
Holding his mother, Donna's, hand outside Miami-Dade County Jail around noon, Stallworth told assembled media, "I just want to extend my condolences to the Reyes family. My prayers are with them. I have full confidence and faith in the legal process."
The Inquirer report from 2007 did not specify why Stallworth was entered into the NFL's substance-abuse program or what stage he was in.
A player in Stage Two faces at least a four-game suspension if he violates conditions of his program. A player in Stage Three faces a one-year suspension. Players in Stage Two can rotate out of the program after two years if they've been compliant, but any prior history of substance abuse is a factor in determining NFL fines and suspensions
Link
Calendar
