Mothers Against Drunk Driving are MADD at Donte Stalworth
Written by DJ Special Blend from Chicago on June 19, 2009
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth has been suspended indefinitely without pay by the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell in response to DUI manslaughter charges.
Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote a detailed letter to Stallworth explaining the stiff penalty levied by the league.
“The conduct reflected in your guilty plea resulted in the tragic loss of life and was inexcusable,” Goodell wrote. “While the criminal justice system has determined the legal consequences of this incident, it is my responsibility as NFL commissioner to determine the appropriate league discipline for your actions, which have caused irreparable harm to the victim and his family, your club, your fellow players and the NFL.” (espn.com)
This comes after Goodell getting pressure from Mother Against Drunk Driving. They were frustrated with only a 30 day jail sentence, and they rejected a $25,000 donation from Stalworth ordered by the judge..
MADD is profoundly disappointed in the 30 day jail sentence for Donte Stallworth who killed a pedestrian while driving drunk. We have heard there may be a contribution to MADD in the settlement and if that is true, we will not accept any monies. This case is a clear test of the NFL’s continued tolerance of drunk driving among its players. We are closely watching what the NFL does.
Drunk driving is a serious matter, and someone lost their life in this case. A message has to be sent in a high profile case, and it’s difficult to defend even the most remorseful of offenders:
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In addition to an indefinite NFL suspension, Stallworth will serve a 2year house arrest, and the drivers license has been revoked for the rest of his life.
MADD has every right to make a statement in this high profile case, cause we do need to control drunk driving…. but all they keep mentioning is the 30 day jail sentence.
Hopefully they are fighting drunk driving, and not just trying to see another brotha in jail.
The family of the victim accepted Stallworth’s offering, he lost his multi-million dollar job, he’s on house arrest, and he can not drive a car ever again in life. I’m confident he will be the model spokes person against drunk driving forever.
Hopefully, MADD will accept Mr. Stallworth’s remorse one day.
Whatever the case, all parties should strive to do what they can so this happens less often, because the victims do not come back.
