While the NFL proved Thursday that it can be a place for second chances, it also showed a chilly side for mercy-seekers who break the law. Michael Vick is now back in the league after 18 months in prison for his dogfighting transgressions. But Commissioner Roger Goodell issued strong words for Cleveland Browns’ wideout Donte Stallworth, who pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter and served 24 days in jail for a drunken driving accident that left a 59-year-old Florida pedestrian dead. Goodell said the 28-year-old speedster broke the league’s substance-abuse and personal-conduct rules. “In that respect, you are clearly guilty of conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL,” Goodell said. “Despite a repeated emphasis on the importance of avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, you chose to drive under circumstances where you were legally impaired. Your conduct endangered yourself and others, leading to the death of an innocent man. The NFL and NFL players must live with the stain that you have placed on their reputations.” But Stallworth, whose blood-alcohol level was .126, much higher than the Florida state limit of .08, implored the public to forgive him. “I urge NFL fans not to judge NFL players or me based on my tragic lapse in judgment,” Stallworth said in a statement. “I am a good person who did a bad thing. I will use the period of my suspension to reflect, fulfill my obligations, and use this experience to make a positive impact on the lives of those who look up to NFL players.” He will forfeit his entire $745,000 salary this season.

TAGS: Cleveland Browns, Donte Stallworth, Roger Goodell

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