Donte Stallworth suspended indefinitely - New England Patriots Forums

DefenseRules · 06-18-2009, 06:37 PM

Commissioner Goodell suspends Stallworth indefinitely

Quote:

"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 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."

In the letter, excerpts of which were released by the NFL, Goodell said he will eventually contact Stallworth's representatives before determining the length of the suspension.

I have a feeling that Stallworth will not be playing this season.
This is a very sad and tragic situation, IMO.

matt9071 · 06-18-2009, 06:41 PM

At the very least the suspnsion would have to be 8 games.

jmt57 · 06-18-2009, 07:17 PM

It's tough to say what Goodell will suspend Stallworth for. The Personal Conduct Policy has primarily been used against repeat offenders. On the other hand this is to the best of my knowledge the first time an NFL player has been involved in a fatality since that code of conduct was put in to place. The closest point of reference I can think of is Chris Henry, who got eight games. I would guess Stallworth will be suspended for eight games also, but a one-year suspension would not surprise me.

NFL Personal Conduct Policy

***Patjew*** · 06-18-2009, 07:30 PM

Does this mean he'll have to return some or all of his bonus?

***BelichickFan*** · 06-18-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patjew

Does this mean he'll have to return some or all of his bonus?

I think that's part of the settlement with the family.

I like Stallworth but given what Jolly Roger did to us over Spygate this would seem to warrant a very lengthy suspension.

Jared · 06-18-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Letter

"[i]t is my responsibility as NFL commissioner to determine appropriate league discipline for your actions, which have caused irreparable harm to . . . your club, your fellow players and the NFL."

Funny, from my perspective they have caused ZERO HARM to his team or fellow players, prior to any suspension.

"I am suspending you because you earned a suspension! You need to be punished because your punishment hurts the team! Bad Donte!"

***ctpatsfan77*** · 06-18-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared

Funny, from my perspective they have caused ZERO HARM to his team or fellow players, prior to any suspension.

"I am suspending you because you earned a suspension! You need to be punished because your punishment hurts the team! Bad Donte!"

Harm here = bad PR.

Satchboogie3 · 06-18-2009, 10:11 PM

I think the NFL should just stay out of stuff like this. If anything, I think it should be a decision for the team to make, since they are the ones with a contract with him. If the team feels like it isn't worth the bad rep/publicity and believes they can find a suitable replacement, then go ahead and suspend/release him.

Now, if it was a FA or player in the Draft, then the Goodell should be the one to deal with it, but once the player is under contract of a team, I don't think the NFL should have the right to make that decision, at least not for something that happened outside of the league.

JFK · 06-18-2009, 10:28 PM

I believe if your offense is punished by Fed/State Law, then u shouldn't be punished by the League. He didn't really do anything against the NFL. The league isn't the state...It's like not being able to get a job because you went to jail...Once you serve time in jail, the league should butt off.

***spacecrime*** · 06-18-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satchboogie3

I think the NFL should just stay out of stuff like this. If anything, I think it should be a decision for the team to make, since they are the ones with a contract with him. If the team feels like it isn't worth the bad rep/publicity and believes they can find a suitable replacement, then go ahead and suspend/release him.

Now, if it was a FA or player in the Draft, then the Goodell should be the one to deal with it, but once the player is under contract of a team, I don't think the NFL should have the right to make that decision, at least not for something that happened outside of the league.

Goodell works for the teams. If they don't like him or what he is doing, they can replace him.