Stallworth sidelined for ’09, eager to repair reputation

BEREA — Saying “I am a good person who did a bad thing,” Browns receiver Donte’ Stallworth urged fans not to judge him or his fellow NFL players after commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him without pay for the 2009 season on Thursday.

Stallworth pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter and served 24 days in jail after striking and killing pedestrian Mario Reyes in Miami Beach on March 14. His blood-alcohol level was .126, well above the Florida limit of .08, and blood tests also showed traces of marijuana in his system. He was indefinitely suspended by Goodell on June 18, two days after the court settlement.

Until he is reinstated after the Super Bowl in February, Stallworth is prohibited from participating in any team activity. He will forfeit a salary of $745,000 for this season. He reportedly received all or part of a $4.5 million roster bonus on March 13, which likely funded a private financial settlement with the Reyes’ family.

In a statement released by the league, Goodell said Stallworth violated the substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies.

“In that respect, you are clearly guilty of conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL,” Goodell said. “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. 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.”

Stallworth, 28, said he will try to repair that damage during his time away from the game.

“I urge NFL fans not to judge NFL players or me based on my tragic lapse in judgment,” Stallworth said in a statement. “I am a good person who did a bad thing. I will use the period of my suspension to reflect, fulfill my obligations, and use this experience to make a positive impact on the lives of those who look up to NFL players.

“Obviously, I am disappointed, but I accept the commissioner’s decision. Regardless of the length of my suspension, I will carry the burden of Mr. Reyes’ death for the rest of my life.”

According to the NFL’s release, Goodell met with Stallworth, his representatives and NFLPA officials on Aug. 5, then again privately on Aug. 10.

Browns coach Eric Mangini gave no hint on whether he will release Stallworth, who signed a seven-year, $35 million contract on March 1, 2008.