Sayonara, Stallworth: Browns Receiver Suspended Until After Super Bowl

by Chris Pokorny on Aug 13, 2009 10:18 AM EDT in General News

Not that any of us wanted WR Donte Stallworth back at some time this season, but for anyone who thought their might be a glimmer of hope that receiver would be in a Browns uniform for the 2009-2010 season, you can forget about it.

After Roger Goodell indefinitely suspended Stallworth about two month ago, he came to a decision less than a week after meeting with him. Stallworth has been suspended for the entire season without pay, and will be re-instated after the Super Bowl. This pretty much ends the short-lived and wasteful career that Stallworth had with the Browns, as he will end up being one of the worst free agent investments ever made by the team.

The following excerpt comes from Goodell in a letter to Stallworth:

"Despite a repeated emphasis on the importance of avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, you chose to drive under circumstances where you were legally impaired. And you did so even though safe and confidential alternatives, such as the "Safe Ride" program, were available to you. 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."

The Browns won't miss Stallworth. Besides No. 1 receiver Braylon Edwards on the roster, the team drafted two receivers in the second round of April's draft: Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi. In addition, veteran receivers Mike Furrey and David Patten were added in the offseason. Other players competing for the receiver position include Joshua Cribbs, Lance Leggett, Paul Hubbard, Jordan Norwood, and Edward Williams.

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Stallworth seems to be very unlucky.

by kjc on Aug 13, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

I’d still Say Jeff Garcia was a worse pickup, Stallworth definately shot up over Andre Rison on the all time worst free agents signed by the Browns

by North Coast Flea on Aug 13, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions

Stallworth signed a 7 year contract. He is far worse than Garcia

by Roger Dorn on Aug 13, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Stallworth had been caught smoking marijuana by the NFL before this, right?

by rufio on Aug 13, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions

Yes, he has been suspended for pot

by Roger Dorn on Aug 13, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

So isn’t that a situation where the 1st time you get caught, you are warned and you go in a program, the second time you get 4 games, and the 3rd time you get a whole season?

So, if Stallworth has already been suspended once, this would be his third offense and he should be suspended for one season for the marijuana alone?

by rufio on Aug 13, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Don’t really know the suspension rules

by Roger Dorn on Aug 13, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions

In a way it wasn’t the Browns or Crennel’s fault. Who’s to know he would step on Braylon’s foot? Who’s to know he couldn’t warm up his hammie properly (even though he is an athlete)?

This isn’t to say that when he played he was stellar.

by skipkirk on Aug 13, 2009 6:35 PM EDT reply actions

He’d been injured in the past, so the muscle strain wasn’t a huge surprise.

Also, muscle strains can be caused by several things, not just improper warm up.

No one knew he would step on Braylon’s foot.

by rufio on Aug 14, 2009 2:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Whatever the case, no one hits a pedestrian on purpose, and I would assume his regret is heartfelt. But I do think Goodell´s letter speaks a clear language, that the taint on Stallworth´s reputation is permanent. It´s a sad set of facts, but he´s keeping whatever he earned, right? So there should be no complaints from his side. Let´s just hope, we don´t have to string him along. Isn´t it true, that any player can be cut, no matter how expensive their contract is, depending on an honest player evaluation? I would assume, that not practicing with the team, and the emotional toll of his situation, would allow one to come to the conclusion, that other players competing for widereceiver have him beat.

by mooncamping on Aug 14, 2009 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

Releasing him, the Browns will unfortunately pay a penalty. I can’t believe he actually asked the judge to have his probation shortened.

by The naome40 on Aug 14, 2009 5:51 PM EDT reply actions

Actually i think it was his community service hours he wanted shortened

" Of course Steroids should be allowed! I wanna see 700 foot home runs and 90 yard field goals! I litterally want to see someone's d**k get shoved in the dirt!"

by BradyQuinnisBeast on Aug 14, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions