Personal Injury Law

Stallworth Sentenced After DUI Accident And Plea

By M. Brandon Smith

Cleveland Brown's receiver Donte' Stallworth won't be winning any games for his team this season after being indefinitely suspended by Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the National Football League, on Thursday. Stallworth was suspended after beginning his 30 day sentence for killing a pedestrian while driving under the influence in Miami Florida. Goodell stated that the player's action caused 'irreparable harm', and would not receive pay during his suspension.

Stallworth struck victim Mario Reyes on March 14, 2009, which resulted in Reyes' death. He plead guilty to DUI manslaughter and was sentenced to 30 days in prison. Stallworth has also reached a financial decision with the family regarding compensation for Mario's death. After his brief appearance in prison, he will spend two years on house arrest and eight years on probation. The house arrest will, however, allow him to continue playing for the National Football league.

Stallworth had spent the night drinking at the Foutainbleau hotel bar, in Miami Beach. After leaving the establishment in his automobile he struck Reyes at approximately 7:15am, while Reyes was rushing to catch a bus. Stallworth commented that Reyes was not in a cross walk, and hit Reyes after trying to warn him by flashing his lights repeatedly. Stallworth was well above the state of Florida's blood alcohol limit, and was traveling an estimated 50 miles per hour in the 40 mile per hour zone.

Stallworth was very cooperative in accepting the plea bargain and must submit to drug alcohol testing, as well as his license being suspended. He must also complete 1,000 hours of community service. Stallworth said 'I accept full responsibility of this horrible tragedy.'

Driving under the influence of any substance, drugs, alcohol, or medication is never the right choice. It puts not only you, but those around you in danger. Reyes' family will be living with this pain for the rest of their life which was tragically 100 percent preventable. If you choose to drink, please be intelligent and safe. Designate a driver, or call a cab. The life you save may be your own.

Full post as published by Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer on July 10, 2009 (boomark / email).