Cleveland Plain DealerBy now, you've got Browns receiver Donte Stallworth all figured out, right? The braids, the Bentley, the history of substance abuse, the DUI manslaughter charge. Just your typical, spoiled, rich, partying athlete who has little regard for others or the law. But those close to him say that's not the case. "Donte is the complete opposite of the image you may believe right now," said former Browns center LeCharles Bentley, who has known Stallworth since they were both rookies in New Orleans in 2002. Stallworth's friends and team- mates say he's devastated over the death of pedestrian Mario Reyes, 59, whom Stal lworth struck and killed with his Bentley on the morning of March 14 in Miami Beach, according to authorities there. He will be arraigned April 23 on charges of DUI manslaughter and faces four to 15 years in prison if convicted. He also faces a probable suspension by the NFL for violating its conduct and substance-abuse policies. In one fateful moment, Stallworth ended a life and altered the course of his own. "Of course, Donte made a poor choice, and you can never get back a life," said Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. "No one knows that more than Donte. But people should know that Donte is a great person who made a terrible mistake, not a terrible person." Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level of .126 -- over the legal limit in Florida -- according to the toxicology report. Four days after the tragedy, he returned to Cleveland to resume working out in the Browns' off-season program. His mother, Donna, and brother Larry joined him in Cleveland for support.
Salty's Thoughts: I like how they are defending the man, and not attempting to sugarcoat his decision making skills or lack there of. That being said, my last two posts have been from the PD. Remember when the News Herald had decent stories? RIP Hal, we miss you. I tried to find Donte's mug shot, posted the closest I could snag.
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