11/05/24
March 20, 2009
Report: Stallworth Drunk When He Killed Pedestrian: Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth's blood alcohol level content was over the legal limit when he struck and killed pedestrian Mario Reyes in Miami Beach last weekend, Miami TV station WSVN reported tonight, citing an unnamed source. If true, he faces DUI manslaughter charges, which carry a 15-year prison sentence.
At the end of the other thread, I was questioning why a field sobriety test wasn't done, because the articles all claimed that blood tests were sent off to determine his possible impairment. I'm happy to learn that a field test was done, but disappointed to know that a big name will not only get you the ability to keep things hush, but also the benefit of the doubt. And that is surprising to me since more and more big names are proven to be just as guilty and as capable of making mistakes. So why the hush? Any other drunk driver would've been dragged to jail and thrown in a cell awaiting trial/sentencing. I hope his sentence is on par with us average people who don't hold some manner of get-out-of-jail-free Monopoly card. "Terms of surrender" That's BS.
(rcade, thank you for the Reyes link. I'll pretend you thought of me when putting the FPP together.)
posted by BoKnows at 12:49 AM on March 20, 2009
The whole story is shitty. A hard-working man who was chasing the American dream has been killed, and Stallworth has to live with what he has done for the rest of his life. I don't want to debate the moral culpability of drunk drivers, it's been done before. Apparently, Stallworth made a tragic error in judgment, and more than a few lives have been impacted. Sad.
posted by tahoemoj at 01:48 AM on March 20, 2009
I don't think benefit of the doubt is ever a bad thing in media coverage of a potential crime.
posted by rcade at 08:29 AM on March 20, 2009
I don't think benefit of the doubt is ever a bad thing in media coverage of a potential crime
Neither do I. If it's true that Stallworth was drunk when he hit this gentleman, then he should go to jail and the family should sue Stallworth for as much as they can. Tragic story.
posted by BornIcon at 08:33 AM on March 20, 2009
I think considering all are supposed to be consider innocent until proven guilty, that the benefit of the doubt should be given to all. Too many times celebrities and media created celebrities are crucified in the media before all the facts are in.
That being said, now that the blood test IS back any sympathy I have for Stallworth is now gone and he deserves to receive the full brunt of the law.
posted by scottypup at 10:48 AM on March 20, 2009
Don't let the cell door hit you on the ass on the way in Donte!!!
posted by Doehead at 03:14 PM on March 21, 2009
Wow. Reyes sounds like he was a nice guy. Terrible.