Browns’ Stallworth suspended indefinitely

NEW YORK (AP) — Cleveland Browns receiver Donte’ Stallworth was indefinitely suspended by the NFL on Thursday for driving drunk and killing a pedestrian in Miami.

“The conduct reflected in your guilty plea resulted in the tragic loss of life and was inexcusable,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter to Stallworth.

“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,” Goodell said.

Stallworth, who will not be paid during the suspension, pleaded guilty this month to a DUI manslaughter charge for striking Mario Reyes on March 14. He began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday and has reached a financial settlement with the family of the 59-year-old construction worker.

After jail, Stallworth must serve two years of house arrest and spend eight years on probation. The house arrest provisions would allow him to play.

Browns general manager George Kokinis said in a statement: “We support the action taken by the commissioner today and will continue to work closely with the league regarding this matter.”

The NFL Players Association had no comment.

The last player indefinitely suspended by the league was Adam “Pacman” Jones of the Dallas Cowboys in October 2008. However, that punishment turned into a six-week ban.

Tags: pro sports, sports, nfl, browns, cleveland, football, stallworth