Donte' Stallworth to Work Out for Lions Today?
by Sean Yuille on Feb 11, 2010 4:04 AM EST
in Detroit Lions News
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PrintEarlier this week Pro Football Talk reported that Donte' Stallworth was going to work out for the Lions on Wednesday based on something Drew Rosenhaus, Stallworth's agent, said. Rosenhaus' statement came in the wake of the news that Stallworth was reinstated to the NFL by Roger Goodell and promptly released by the Browns, making him a free agent.
The news that the Lions are interested really isn't too surprising, because they are definitely in need of upgrading the receiver position and Stallworth does seem like a pretty good fit with the team. I guess we will find out if the team thinks that is the case in the coming days, because NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reports that Stallworth's workout with the Lions will be held today. Obviously there's no guarantee that the Lions will like what they see or that Stallworth will jump at the first offer he receives, but this is something to keep an eye on.
For the sake of discussion, let's assume Stallworth's workout goes well and the Lions decide he would be a good addition to the team. The biggest debate over whether that would be a good move really won't concern his on-the-field abilities. Instead the debate will focus on the fact that he was put behind bars for 24 days and suspended for the entire 2009 season after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter following an accident last March where he hit and killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes.
There is absolutely no excuse for what happened and certainly Stallworth will have to work to gain a positive public image, but quite honestly I don't think he's a big risk for the Lions. His legal problems aren't large in number and didn't consciously happen over an extended period of time. Again, there's no excuse for what he did and it was an absolutely unacceptable act, but it was an accident. Stallworth shouldn't have been behind the wheel and this was certainly preventable, but unlike Michael Vick, for example, this was an accident, not some ongoing thing.
I don't want to excuse what Stallworth did by any means, but I don't see this as a risk for the Lions because they are in need of upgrading the receiver position and because I don't see Stallworth bringing a PR nightmare with him to the team. There will be some bad press if Stallworth does sign with the Lions (I'll predict right now that Drew Sharp will write a negative article on him), but not enough to the point where it wouldn't be worth the trouble. The fact of the matter is that the Lions need to add talent, and bringing Stallworth aboard would do just that.
For comparison's sake, let's take a look at the career stats of three receivers.
Receiver A: 7 seasons, 109 games, 290 catches, 3,638 yards, 15 TDs
Receiver B: 10 seasons, 144 games, 399 catches, 4,941 yards, 18 TDs
Receiver C: 7 seasons, 95 games, 296 catches, 4,383 yards, 32 TDs
Based on those stats, it's pretty apparent that Receiver C, despite playing in the least amount of games by a large margin, is putting up the best stats of the three given the circumstances. Receiver C has spent the same amount of time in the league as Receiver A and has played in less games, but C's stats are better across the board. Receiver B has played in the league for 3 more seasons and 49 more games, but his stats aren't significantly better by any means, and when it comes to TDs they are not nearly as good as the numbers Receiver C has put up during his career.
So who are these receivers?
Drum roll please...
Receiver A is Bryant Johnson and Receiver B is Dennis Northcutt. Receiver C is Donte' Stallworth. When healthy, Stallworth is an excellent receiver that puts up great numbers, as the stats above suggest. I don't know how exactly he would fit into the Lions' plans for next season considering it's only February, but I think he would be an upgrade over both Bryant Johnson and Dennis Northcutt. More than anything, he would be a nice complement to both Johnson and Northcutt and would give Matthew Stafford an additional weapon in the passing game. Considering Stallworth likely would come at a pretty cheap price and with a short-term deal, I think it would be a mistake to not sign him unless he comes out completely flat at his workout. The Lions need talent, and Stallworth certainly would bring that to the wide receiver position.
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This should be close to a no-brainer...
Admittedly, I am biased because I could give a $#!t less about what these players are doing (in a negative light) off the field until it starts to affect them on the field. In other words, when behavior starts to lead to suspensions (multiple), injuries, or say…coming up empty in a game that could decide your team’s whole season (thanks again Miggy). A player of Stallworth’s caliber, however, is something that the Lions simply don’t have a lot of. Once the team has become a more established force in the NFL, “character issues” can once again become debatable, but until then take all the talent you can get your hands on….especially if its cheap.
"Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer." -Mark Twain
I did not vote because the question is loaded.
I would dispute that Stallworth will be a great addition to our offence. I would say the chances that he is better than Bryant Johnson are around 33%.
He has been off for a year and has never been much for other teams, even the pass happy Pats, whenever he is healthy, which is not often. He will also be 30 years old next year. How about we draft someone?
I would take a run at Torry Holt before I took Stallworth. Seriously.
Finally, character does matter. I know he served his time, paid his debt [I guess], but there is very little upside to this guy so it is just not worth the time. IMO.
I think you do both, North
The Lions can add Stallworth. To me, that’s a good move, but only in terms of depth. Don’t pencil him in at starter opposite Calvin. Let him earn a position. If he comes out and plays well, let him start or be the solid slot guy we need.
But signing him should not change our draft plans one iota. We should draft like we still do not have a number two… because we still wouldn’t know if we did or not even after we sign Stallworth. Truth be told, none of us can really know what to expect from him. Will he come out hungry and still have his blazing speed? Will he be overweight and out of shape? Will he simply be an underachiever that is a luxury as a 4th receiver? Who knows. But…. I believe there is enough there to take a chance. The Lions have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by adding Stallworth… as long as they do not crown him number two in training camp.
I also agree with Sean that he does deserve a second chance and his reputation for what he did shouldn’t tarnish the Lions in anyway. I think the kid made a terrible mistake, but is not a terrible kid.
I can live with that.
I just did not agree that he would be a great addition to our offence.
by NorthLeft12 on Feb 11, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Its the one position...
We should be able to bully these WRs. I mean Mayhew just sit down Dante and say “we have Megatron, your not a number one, you could possibly be a number two if you dedicate yourself and really want to prove yourself. Calvin will open everything up for you if you play hard and CATCH a ball or two. Make some plays for F***s sake and in turn you will be able to open up for calvin and then we will really make some noise.” Then have Schwartzy pop in “So you can turn your career around here also help turn this team around, is that something you would like to be a part of, we need people that are gonna work their ass off to get better i mean you gonna go to baltimore and try to be the number one and have a horrible year cause you cant do it by yourself. If thats what you want to do, then do it, cause we want honest hard working players here that know there role. I thought thats the player you were after watching you hang around and call the police after you ran that jaywalker over.” then you have mayhew give him a contract pumped with incentives for three years and then if he underperforms we let him go for a fraction of the contract
Insider information maybe?
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Feb 11, 2010 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
I like the fact that our FO is looking at him....
Anytime you can add depth or upgrade. Do it. But I really do not think there is alot of upside to Stallworth. By no means does Stallworth beome Boldin to our Megatron. And we will still be looking for our #2. Either in this draft or next.
But if the Staff likes him. And he gets signed. He could buy the Lions some time. We would not have the need to use a pick on a WR this season. Or take a WR later in the draft. Give him a year to develop. And there is still Derrick Williams. I am not ready to call him a bust yet. I think he could become a legit #2.
What Stallworth gives the Lions is options. And right now the Lions needs all the help they can get.
if the shoe fits...get another one just like it - George Carlin
+100 Well said
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Feb 11, 2010 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
I voted yes....
…..but only if this is a minimum ttype deal or slightly more….I would not give him more then 1 year 3 million….He has to prove himself…..no way we should give him more then that.
by BennieBladesFan on Feb 11, 2010 9:27 AM EST reply actions
i said yes
but not b/c i think he will make a great addition to the offense… but b/c we have no one worth a dam other then CJ so might as well try it.. still think we will draft one..
CJ
Demaryius Thomas (3rd round pick)
Donte Stallworth (in the slot)
grew
and we be grave
I'm thinking Ernie the Attorney ( front office )...
… will watch the Free Agent, draft choices and in house deals real close. They need to be smart, yet, shrewd this upcoming spring. Years past, we jumped on a lot of prospects who never panned out. It seems like we’re better prepared now and can make some definite upgrades. I hate that number 2 pick. Value wise, if Suh doesn’t fall to us, we need to bail down some how. I just don’t see a franchise quarterback out there for the Rams. I’m placing a lot of trust with our administration to do the right things…
antonio pierce has been released by the giants
one more year Brett Favre!
Yes..
I’m surprised on the lack if mentions of T. O….. It sounds like he is not even welcome here?
GO LIONS in 2010! the transformation starts now.. they have much to do.
Plus, he's an asshole
Honorary Driver of the Kyle Wilson Bus and Keeper of the Dreadlocks!
The 313 Missile Squadron: Delmas, Berry, Wilson......seek and destroy!
Hey, as long as Zack Follett keeps hitting people, he can rap to Barney the Dinosaur for all I care.
He killed my ears
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Feb 13, 2010 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Another example of a guy who wont be worth the money needed to sign him
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Feb 13, 2010 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
After reading into the story a bit, I understand that Stallworth was not faulted for the accident.
There is a write up on M Live that gives some better detail.
Link: http://blog.mlive.com/its-just-sports/2010/02/hopefully_fans_try_and_learn_s.html
There are other people who have been involved in fatal car crashes who I would not label as “killers”.
I think he was...
That’s what the 30 days in jail, plus 1,000 hours of community service, 2 years of house arrest, 8 years probation, and lifetime forfeiture of his license means.
That was because a man died......
However, there is a big difference between vehicular manslaughter and “negligent” vehicular manslaughter…..which may have been the case here if they did not prove that Stallworth was wholly at fault for the death of the man who jaywalked in front of his vehicle. Mitigating circumstance was that he happened to be over the legal limit for driving according to his blood alchohol content at the time of the accident, but that was not considered the cause of the accident. The cause of the accident was Stallworth not paying attention while a man jaywalked into the path of his vehicle…..thus negligent vehicular manslaughter, which yielded no prison time, versus vehicular DUI/manslaughter which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine in the state of Florida.
Oh you didn't know?? You're ass better CALLLLLLLL SOMEBODY!!!!!
I got nothing against him being a Lion
He’s character issues aren’t that big of a deal, he’s paid for his mistake, and he is a talent. I’m just hoping he can give it his all and stay healthy because if he does he could be a great #2 for us.
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
the jags just released torry holt
i feel better having players that don’t have DUI manslaughter convictions
Holt and TO
Are both next to geriatric in terms of NFL WRs…..I say NO to both.
Oh you didn't know?? You're ass better CALLLLLLLL SOMEBODY!!!!!
Stallworth is worth 3x Holt
Holt is almost 100
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Feb 13, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
I am ok with it.
Stallworth has a clean record other than the DUI and seems to be rectifying his mistake. He has good hands too something few of are guys can say that. GO FOR IT
The best there is, The best there was, and the best there ever will be - Bret the Hitman hart
saying he has a clean record except for the DUI manslaughter
is like saying he hasn’t cut off anyone’s head except for that one day when he cut that dude’s head off… his qualities as a player are up for debate but lets not apologize for what he did
disagree
you could use that example if he had intentionally shot someone ( i know he intentionally drove drunk) but it was an accident while he was drunk. He didnt intentionally or maliciously harm the man. He put himslef in a bad situation and the worse case scenario happened. I think his clean record other then this example is a valid point.
Bas Rutten: He has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Stephen Quadros: Yes, well many of the fighters
have a black belt.
Bas Rutten: Yes, but in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you cant
buy your belt like in say, Tae Kwon Do.
Stephen Quadros: Do you have any belts?
Bas Rutten: I have a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do.
by DrewMoney$$$ on Feb 12, 2010 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree too
I would rather a guy showed very poor judgement and got unlucky enough for a dude to step out in front of his car while he was stupidly impaired than have a record of stupid things like Pac Man
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Feb 13, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
He doesn't have a clean record by the way
He was put in the NFL’s substance abuse program after testing positive for marijuana.
I know he was a decent player
but i think the rush to apologize for his actions is strange. Why are we so excited to get this guy? He hasn’t had what we would call a good season since 05 (http://www.nfl.com/players/donte%27stallworth/profile?id=STA280100) and just spent the last year sitting on his ass… real stand up guy that stallworth
people are theowing around antonio bryant’s name for the lion s too……………id rather we draft a guy than waste any money on stallworth or bryant………
if we are deadset on getting a guy in FA/trade, they should just go big and get bolden, then at least we’d know we have someone whos halfway decent opposite megatron out there……
Antonio Bryant would be a beast of a #2......
If he could stay healthy……..I think Stallworth is a better option that most (if not all) WRs that we could draft.
Oh you didn't know?? You're ass better CALLLLLLLL SOMEBODY!!!!!
I think stallworth would be enough to fix our WR situation
Healthy CJ, Stall, and BP…that is enough options to make a difference.
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Feb 12, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
stallworth in motown
i can’t believe that this is an actual consideration. it sickens me that we place athletes on such a high pedistal, that they are almost granted diplomatic immunity from any sort of wrongdoing.
I believe that there are certain actions that should warrant an immediate lifetime ban from the NFL, and drunken vehicular homicide is one of them. im tired of seeing celebrities getting a slap on the wrist for actions that would send an average citizen to jail for decades. 24 days and a year out of football hardly begins to scratch the surface of paying a debt to socitey or the victim’s family. i dont care how fast he is, i dont care how well he can catch and i don’t care how bad we need another receiver. i would rather have a small college guy in the lineup, or someone driving a bread truck than stallworth.
he would be in prison
if it werent for that security film that clearly showed him in control of his vehicle and that a guy jaywalking actually wasnt killed by alcohol but by him steppin out in front of a vehicle
yeah, a sober person would not have likely been able to stop
I’m all for a yearlong suspension for a DUI (which he has served) even if nobody is killed, but when somebody jaywalks in front of your car, then alcohol was not a factor in the accident.
+1
great point, and i dont think a year away from football is anything to take lightly. Many players will have there career ended after missing that much time. Look at mike williams, look at pac man.
Bas Rutten: He has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Stephen Quadros: Yes, well many of the fighters
have a black belt.
Bas Rutten: Yes, but in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you cant
buy your belt like in say, Tae Kwon Do.
Stephen Quadros: Do you have any belts?
Bas Rutten: I have a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do.
by DrewMoney$$$ on Feb 12, 2010 6:05 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with you in part. He killed a man. But as others have pointed out it was something the courts decided and he was given the proverbial slap on the wrist. He paid out to the family of the deceased, probably to the tune of 7 figures worth of “I’m sorry” It’s sad for the family and the guy who’s life was cut short, but it’s something that Daunte Stallworth has to live with for the rest of his life. He seems to be legitimately sorry and I believe it.
Taking the moral highground isn’t going to change the fact that he will sign somewhere. And if he is able to re-capture what it was that made him a starting caliber NFL WR than the Lions are outside looking in again on someone who could have contributed in an area we need skill at.
What bothers me about the list of problem players that are coming back to the league is that Plaxico Burress is probably getting the worst punishment. Vick bankrolled a dog fighting ring, tortured dogs, he’s back. Matt Jones got busted with a mountain of blow, he’s back. Pacman couldn’t leave his cousins Thugly and Glockman behind and he’s coming back. Plax gets caught with a legal gun but the wrong kind of legal and he’s still in jail. /endrant
A friend of mine since grade 4 lives in FL. Two counties over from the area where Stallworth hit and killed a man while intoxicated. Two weeks before that happened my friend hit another car while drunk and the driver of that car died 3 weeks later. My friend was sentenced, six weeks after Daunte had already been released, to ten years in prison. So personally I know he got off easy because he can play football, but that’s the standard that comes along with fame.
Stallworth in Silver & Blue
I think it would be great to see Donte in a Loins uniform. If it does happen, just be careful when you are walking across the street.
1270 said bengals want him anyway
doubt he’s going to pick us over cinnci. I assume he owns property in ohio anyway…
Bas Rutten: He has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Stephen Quadros: Yes, well many of the fighters
have a black belt.
Bas Rutten: Yes, but in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you cant
buy your belt like in say, Tae Kwon Do.
Stephen Quadros: Do you have any belts?
Bas Rutten: I have a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Stallworth is not a good person
but is a great football player he would be a good thrid opotion reciver. But he is not the best character and the only reasons he’s in jail for so little time is because he can afford a great lawyer.
It was a tragety...
but almost everyone…at some point..has driven drunk. It is dumb, dangerous, illegal and shows bad judegement. However, he did all the right things after making that fateful mistake.
I would welcome him.
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
YOU COULDNT HAVE STOPPED YOUR CAR!!!
the man ran in front of him….SIGN HIM if his practice went well
STALLWORTH A RAVEN
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/17/stallworth-signs-with-ravens/
again it’s who is closest to playoff contention.. Stallworth signed with the Ravens…
I would say it was expected.. the Lions have to earn respect with free agent players and their reputation in the league.." who would you play for? the rebuilding Lions or the playoff experienced Ravens?" and it’s no disrepect to our team but common sense.
The Lions will be gradually restored… but through the draft and smart pickups… It will be interesting to see how Stallworth performs there in Baltimore.. it may be a blessing for us bu the Lions… going back to basics building through the draft!
PLUS it lessens Baltimore’s chance of drafting a WR higher… the Lions potential loss could be a definite gain in the draft at WR!!!!
GO LIONS in 2010! the transformation starts now.. they have much to do.
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