Stallworth suspended for full NFL season

NEW YORK, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Donte Stallworth, a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, has been suspended for the entire 2009 NFL season for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed Stallworth of his decision in a letter. Earlier this month, Goodell met with Stallworth, his representatives and union representatives and, on Monday, privately with the player.

Stallworth will be reinstated after the Super Bowl, Goodell said.

"There is no question that your actions had tragic consequences to an innocent man and his family, and that you have violated both the Substances of Abuse and Personal Conduct Policies," Goodell said. "In that respect, you are clearly guilty of conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL."

Stallworth struck Mario Reyes, 59, while driving his Bentley automobile March 14 in Miami. Stallworth's blood alcohol content was over the legal limit. He pleaded guilty in June to vehicular manslaughter, receiving a 30-day jail sentence, two years of house arrest and 1,000 hours of community service. He spent 24 days behind bars and has also agreed to pay an undisclosed amount of damages to Reyes' family.

Goodell, in his letter, said the NFL does not have to consider Florida's legal handling of the case, which might be influenced by factors like crowded court schedules.