The teammates of Browns receiver Donte Stallworth say that the image of their embattled compadre – a typical, spoiled, rich, partying athlete who has little regard for others or the law – is way off the mark, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. “Donte is the complete opposite of the image you may believe right now,” former Browns center LeCharles Bentley told the paper. He has known Stallworth since they were both rookies in New Orleans in 2002. He’s not the only one defending Stallworth, who accidentally struck and killed a pedestrian with his car one Miami morning in mid-March. “Of course, Donte made a poor choice, and you can never get back a life,” said Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson. “No one knows that more than Donte. But people should know that Donte is a great person who made a terrible mistake, not a terrible person.” Stallworth’s friends say he is absolutely devastated over the death of pedestrian Mario Reyes, 59. Stallworth will be arraigned April 23 on charges of DUI manslaughter; he faces four to 15 years in prison if convicted. In addition, he could be suspended by the NFL for violating its conduct and substance-abuse policies. Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level of .126 – over the .08 legal limit in Florida, according to the toxicology report.

TAGS: Browns, Donte Stallworth

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