MIAMI — Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth was charged Wednesday with killing a pedestrian last month while driving drunk after a night out at a swank South Beach nightspot.
An arrest warrant charging Stallworth, 28, with DUI manslaughter was filed in the March 14 accident that killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes. If convicted, Stallworth would face as many as 15 years in prison.
Stallworth’s blood-alcohol level after the crash was .126, well above Florida’s legal limit of .08, according to results of a blood test. Stallworth, who is expected to surrender in court today, will also be charged with DUI, which carries a possible six-month sentence plus fines and community service for first offenders.
“We are saddened by the circumstances that have taken place and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mario Reyes,” the Browns said. “We have been in communication with the commissioner, who is reviewing the situation under league policies, and we will withhold further comment at this time.”
Stallworth will be prohibited from driving while on bail and not allowed to drink alcohol, according to court documents. He also must observe a 12 a.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew and must submit to random alcohol and drug testing through the NFL’s substance-abuse program.
Man wants plea withdrawn in Sean Taylor case
MIAMI — A man who pleaded guilty to avoid a possible life sentence in the killing of Redskins safety Sean Taylor wants to back out of the deal, his attorney said.
Venjah Hunte, 21, would have served 29 years under the deal reached last May, in exchange for his cooperation with prosecutors.
Hunte’s attorney, Michael Hornung, said he disagrees with his client’s desire to withdraw his guilty plea, and that Hunte will appear in court today to ask for a new court-appointed lawyer.
Hornung wouldn’t discuss what led his client to change his mind, citing confidentiality rules. He said his recommendation was to take the plea deal rather than the life sentence four co-defendants face if convicted.
“We have irreconcilable differences,” he said.
Police said Taylor was a victim of a botched robbery when he was shot in his bedroom Nov. 26, 2007. He died of massive blood loss a day later at age 24.
Bruce to return to 49ers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Receiver Isaac Bruce is postponing retirement for another season with the 49ers.
Bruce, the second-leading receiver in NFL history with 14,944 yards, informed coach Mike Singletary of his decision to return for his 16th NFL season.
He missed the 49ers’ minicamp last month while contemplating retirement, but his return is a major boost to a San Francisco offense that would have lacked a top receiver. Bruce led San Francisco with 61 catches for 835 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
The Associated Press
