NFL notebook: Stewart set for August return
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Associated Press
CHARLOTTE ó Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart says he’ll be ready for the start of training camp after being sidelined all offseason with pain in his left Achilles’ tendon.
Stewart revealed details of the injury Tuesday. Stewart said the Achilles’ first flared up in offseason conditioning in February and likely stems from favoring his left foot after toe surgery last offseason.
Stewart was unable to practice at last month’s minicamp or during optional workouts this month. He said he’ll be “off and running” once training camp starts on Aug. 2.
STALLWORTH
MIAMI ó Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth began serving a 30-day jail sentence for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk in Florida, a punishment made possible by his cooperation with investigators and the fervent wish by the victim’s family to put the matter behind them.
Stallworth, 28, also reached a confidential financial settlement with the family of 59-year-old Mario Reyes, a construction worker struck and killed early on March 14 by Stallworth, driving drunk in his Bentley.
Stallworth had faced 15 years in prison for his DUI manslaughter conviction. After his release from jail, he must serve two years of house arrest and spend eight years on probation. The house arrest provisions will allow him to resume his football career.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is reviewing the matter for possible disciplinary action. Stallworth could face suspension without pay for some games this year.
Leonard Little of the Rams pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after he hit and killed a woman while driving drunk in 1998 and served an eight-game suspension, though the punishment was doled out when the league was a bit more lenient.
COWBOYS
CARROLLTON, Texas ó Roy Williams figures it is pointless to watch film from his 10 games with Dallas last season. There is nothing the receiver really wants to see.
“Maybe if I watch T.O. or something,” he said. “But I’m not going to watch myself block all day long. … I didn’t get many opportunities to catch a ball, which was tough on me because I know what kind of player I am.”
With Terrell Owens gone, Williams now gets his chance to be Dallas’ top receiver.
BRONCOS
DENVER ó Brandon Marshall is saying his good-byes to the Broncos and their fans.
Marshall posted a farewell on his blog four days after requesting a trade.
FALCONS
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. ó The Atlanta Falcons signed offensive tackle Garrett Reynolds, a fifth-round pick from UNC.