Indians Reduce Roster by 15 Players
March 19, 2009Live Blog: Cavaliers vs Portland 8:00pm
March 19, 2009Behind the scenes at WFNY we debated not posting this because it is rumor and speculation wrapped in unnamed sources. Then again, given the places that we have read this, the cat is pretty much out of the proverbial bag on this one anyway.
The news comes via WSVN-Fox by way of the Miami Herald. According to “a source with knowledge of the investigation” Donte Stallworth was driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.12. The legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.08.
The article goes on to say that the police aren’t confirming anything to date.
Now, the other reason that we at WFNY thought about not reporting this at all is because our interest in the story is as football fans. Discussing the football ramifications of this situation while a family mourns the death of a loved one seems kind of tasteless. So do what you want with the info. Unnamed sources have been wrong before. Unnamed sources have failed to exist in certain cases. Let’s just hope this sad case doesn’t get sadder by finding out that Stallworth was indeed negligent by driving under the influence.
23 Comments
“Let’s just hope this sad case doesn’t get sadder by finding out that Stallworth was indeed negligent by driving under the influence.”
driving under the influence isnt ‘negligent’. its flat out reckless. negligent would be glancing down at the radio for a few seconds to change the station.
Terrible.
I don’t understand why a professional athlete would ever drive. If I made $1mill/year (let alone more) I would hire a private driver because I like to drink. I live walking distance to downtown just to minimize these situations even arising (i.e. how do I get somewhere, not how drunk am I going to drive).
Know yourself.
The most telling part of the articles that I’m reading today are quoting the police spokesman as say, “We won’t confirm anything until we make an arrest.” No “If” in that sentence.
I am sad that man had to lose his life due to the idiotic decision making skill set possessed by one Donte Stallworth. As a human being I hope his fmaily has the strength to carry on after this tragic loss. As a Browns fan I hope that we make a speedy and clean break from Donte, and reclaim every penny we can from him.
@ Glaumdawg,
I hope the family get’s his money. I’m sure they’ll put it to better use.
Is Al Toon or Wayne Chrebet still available?
Not a legal expert (two law school rejection letters to prove it..and even worse, a CSU acceptance letter), but if the guy crossing the street was jaywalking, does that negate the potential for vehicular homicide?
no
Yes and no, it will depend on the prosecutor and what they believe they can actually sell to the jury. Likely he’ll be charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI/DUI, reckless endangerment and the like.
Now the good news about this story, if he’s convicted and actually sent to jail his salary is off the books while in prison and doesn’t count against our cap, so at least there’s something on the positive side.
@ #5 – You’re right. I hope his riches go to the family.
If the report is true…
just saying.
Do we try and draft crabtree now? I read elsewhere today that the Lions and Bucs have expressed deep interest in trading for Cutler. This could shake up the top 5 of the draft and Stafford could be available at to KC or STL, which would leave us possibly a better shot at landing Curry..
But on a side note we now really need to start looking at WR’s and not DJ Hacket type guys. So do we really look at Crabtree now?
Honestly I’d take Maclin over Crabtree. A good number two plus has return ability so he can get back there with Cribbs, which makes him fresher and more available for the offense. Then again I’m all about moving down from the five spot so we can once again have a Clay Matthews on the Browns.
@ Clown – my thoughts exactly.
This story is so sad on so many levels. I don’t think you guys could have posted this news in any more of a classy manner though however. In a world of negative headlines, I wish the ‘mainstream news networks’ everywhere would post stories that involve the multiple layers of sadness like this one, in the way you guys did here. Thoughts and prayers.
I’ll probably just be repeating what others have said, but I’ll say my piece anyways.
It’s absolutley ludicris for these high paid, high profile athletes (and celebrities for that matter) to go out and get into this kind of trouble. You want to go get some drinks & get drunk, fine with me. I love beer. (See my tourney name-Deep In The Brew.) But for God sakes you gotta be smart about it, you make MORE than enough money to have someone drive you, or CALL A CAB! You’ve got a flashy Bentley, or Benz, or whatever and want to show it off, fine, do so. But do it when you’re sober and not going to be a danger to others lives. I hope as soon as a formal announcement is made, the Browns release Stallworth immediately. I agree with what one poster said about giving his salary to the victim’s family. Sounds like a grand idea to me. Or at least a year’s worth, or something.
WFNY does such a fantastic job reporting news, good or bad. I’d like to commend you as JD Shaver did, for doing an outstanding job with this website.
Very sad story. Feel terrible for the family.
‘
But i also have sympathy for DS as well, how could you not. None of you are God, so dont judge DS like you are – he has family too
I feel terrible for everyone involved.
He blew .12 that is barely over .08, it could have happened if he was .00 It was 7am anyone could have hit that cuban.
In Ohio .12 would be considered “lower tier” ont he DUI scale, therefore he would probably only get 3years and serve maybe 2.
Its just too bad he is going to miss our superbowl run! here we go brownies here we go. here we go brownies here we go!
@ CAVSn6 – which tier are you up to?
I could be wrong here, but I think when you kill someone with your car and you have ANY alcohol in your system, you are in pretty big dog poo.
@ Cavsn6: I understand that I am not God, for if I was the Browns would have won the super bowl by now. I think I have a right to speak my piece about another athlete getting into trouble by breaking the law. He made a consious decision to get behind the wheel of his vehicle after he had been (allegedly) drinking. Because of that decision, a man lost his life and a family has been changed forever. My heart does go out to Stallworth’s family, because they have a long, hard road ahead of them. You’re argument holds no validation in my eyes as far as him being ‘barely over’ the legal limit. You’re trying to justify this man’s actions by saying ‘Hey Donte, it’s ok to hit and kill somebody because you were barely over the legal limit.’ Are you serious dude? This is tragic all the way around, I’ll agree with you on that, but because of neglegent actions on the part of a professional atlete, a man lost his life.
I would like to say a note to WFNY on regarding the Stallworth/legal topics. I like sports as they are a reflection of society. Hence, if the sports world delves into drinking & driving, I think it’s very appropriate and logical for this thread to be up. While blogs are held to different journalistic standards than hard news media, you’re coverage was fine. I think as a blog, all you need to do is present both sides to a topic and let the discussion run it’s course.
Further, I think it’d be glaring if this topic was missing. We can’t pretend our sports teams operate in a societal vacuum, as oddly, even events like this impact on-field performance (see Len Bias, Barry Bonds, Steve Olin, etc). Imagine discussing a Browns game where our WR’s played bad, would we THEN discuss this topic?
Good work, keep it up…
Jay:
You are right, he broke the law and should be punished. The point i was trying to make is that it seemed as if no one had any regards for DS’s family feelings.
He should have not been behind the wheel, i agree-but two or three drinks depending on your weight and how quickly one consumes those beverages will more than likely put u over the legal limit.
ps. Dont drink and drive…..unless your in pittsburgh
PAT IN CA:
I am from NE,OH – i love all Cleveland Teams. To stay sane i am always in the upper TIER.