A Statement From David Cornwell Regarding Donte’ Stallworth

[Editor’s note: The full text of a statement released by attorney David Cornwell on behalf of Browns receiver Donte’ Stallworth appears below.] Commissioner Goodell’s interim decision to suspend Donte’ Stallworth pending the Commissioner’s review of the facts and circumstances in the criminal matter is the first step in the NFL disciplinary process. After reviewing the facts, Miami law enforcement personnel, Florida State Court Judge Dennis Murphy, Florida State Attorney, Katherine Rundle, the Miami/Dade County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and, most importantly, Mr. Reyes’ family concluded that the criminal process ended appropriately. State Attorney Rundle stated that given “the unique facts involved … Mr. Stallworth’s excellent pre-incident history of community service, abundant references that attest to his good character, his lack of any traffic violations or criminal convictions, his full and complete post-incident cooperation with law enforcement, and his willingness to accept complete responsibility for his actions, . . . a just resolution of this case has been reached.” Commissioner Goodell has reserved a final decision. When he has the opportunity to review the “unique facts involved,” including, specifically, the issue of causation as well as Donte’s character and the manner in which Donte’ accepted responsibility in the criminal and civil proceedings, we fully anticipate that the factors that supported the “just resolution” of the criminal matter will be equally persuasive with Commissioner Goodell. Consistent with the wishes of Mr. Reyes’ family not to relive a tragedy through the public scrutiny of criminal and civil trials, we look forward to addressing these matters privately with Commissioner Goodell.