Stallworth given 30-day sentence, settles with victim’s family

MIAMI -- Donte' Stallworth began serving a 30-day jail sentence yesterday for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk in Florida, a punishment made possible by his cooperation with investigators and the desire of the victim's family members to put the matter behind them.

Stallworth, 28, also reached a confidential financial settlement with the family of 59-year-old Mario Reyes, a construction worker struck and killed early on March 14 by Stallworth, driving drunk in his black 2005 Bentley.

Stallworth had faced 15 years in prison for his DUI manslaughter conviction. After his release from jail, he must serve two years of house arrest and spend eight years on probation. The house-arrest provisions will allow him to resume his football career, his attorney said.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is reviewing the matter for possible disciplinary action. Stallworth could face suspension without pay for some games this year.

Leonard Little of the Rams pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after he hit and killed a woman while driving drunk in 1998 and served an eight-game suspension, though the punishment was doled out when the league was a bit more lenient.

Stallworth's attorney, Christopher Lyons, said the financial settlement was only one factor in the plea agreement. He noted that Stallworth stopped immediately after the accident, called 911 and submitted to roadside alcohol testing despite spending most of the night drinking at a swanky Miami Beach hotel.

"He acted like a man," Lyons said. "He remained at the scene. He cooperated fully."

Stallworth told Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy that he hopes to get involved in drunken-driving education programs.

"I accept full responsibility for this horrible tragedy," said Stallworth, who was accompanied at the hearing by his parents, siblings and other supporters. "I will bear this burden for the rest of my life."

Stallworth also must undergo drug and alcohol testing, will have a lifetime driver's license suspension and must perform 1,000 hours of community service. Lyons said after five years, Stallworth could win approval for limited driving such as for employment.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle echoed Lyons in citing Stallworth's lack of previous criminal record, cooperation and willingness to accept responsibility as factors in the plea deal. Rundle also said the Reyes family -- particularly the victim's 15-year-old daughter -- wanted the case resolved to avoid more pain.

Ellis joins Raiders

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders signed defensive end Greg Ellis on Monday night, acquiring a veteran presence as they work to upgrade their defense.

The 6-6, 262-pound Ellis, who turns 34 on Aug. 14, was released earlier this month by the Dallas Cowboys -- his team for all 11 of his NFL seasons.

Ellis has also played linebacker but will be a defensive end in the Raiders' 4-3 system. Oakland's defense struggled in the pass rush and to generate sacks last season.

Ellis has 77 career sacks, including a career-best 12½ in 2007 for the Cowboys.

Elsewhere

• The Atlanta Falcons signed two draft picks, including third-round pick Christopher Owens, a cornerback. The Falcons also signed offensive tackle Garrett Reynolds, a fifth-round pick from North Carolina. Owens had 13 career interceptions as a three-year starter for San Jose State.

• The Arizona Cardinals signed sixth-round draft pick Will Davis. The 6-2, 261-pound Davis was a defensive end in college at Illinois, who will be converted to outside linebacker.

• The Green Bay Packers signed three defensive players taken on the second day of the draft: defensive end Jarius Wynn, cornerback Brandon Underwood and linebacker Brad Jones. Wynn, a sixth-round pick, played two seasons at Georgia after beginning his career at Georgia Military College. Fellow sixth-rounder Underwood, once a highly regarded recruit at Ohio State, finished his career at Cincinnati and led the team in interceptions as a senior. Jones, a seventh-round pick, was a three-year starter at Colorado.

• New England signed Penn State offensive linemen Rich Ohrnberger, their fourth-round draft pick, and cut linebacker Antonio Appleby (Virginia).