11-05-2021, 08:29 PM
(11-05-2021, 07:53 PM)George Cantstandya Wrote: In 2009 Donté Stallworth was charged with DUI manslaughter when he struck and killed a pedestrian while driving under the influence. Under a plea deal, he received a sentence of 30 days in the county jail, plus 1,000 hours of community service, two years of community control, and eight years' probation. He was also suspended for the 2009 season. He then went on to play in the NFL during the 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons.
If the information about Ruggs is accurate I hope the prosecutors do not let him plea to a lesser charge (yes I believe in innocent until proven guilty). I have read articles where people claim the woman killed was heard screaming as she burned alive. That's just horrible.
Also I have seen various comments by people across the web stating Ruggs is basically still a kid at 22 years old. That I disagree with. At the age of 22 a person should have a well developed grasp on what is right and what is wrong. At the age of 22 he was considered old enough to play in the NFL with other adults and earn millions of dollars. There are 22 year olds considered responsible enough to work on military aircraft. There are 22 year olds who help defend our nation and risk their life if need be. There are 22 year old medical students and 22 year old nurses. There are a lot of 22 year olds that carry a lot of responsibility across many career fields because they are adults and not "basically still kids".
So I don't buy the still a kid thing. It's tragic what happened, just horrible. But I hope justice is served if he is indeed guilty. There is a person no longer on this planet due to this and a family that will never see that person again. I will also say that I hope Ruggs, while serving what ever punishment may come his way if guilty, does something with his life to better himself and find a way to give back to the world. I believe in forgiveness and second chances even though I know it would be very hard for me to feel that way if it was a loved one I lost. But I also think if guilty he should forfeit the right to ever play in the NFL again.
Anyway, that's my rant on this topic. It's a heartbreaking event for all involved.
It's awful all around.
There are many instances in which I would rather not ruin a 22 year old's life over a bad decision. This is different. Certain things require a price to be paid, or else the deterrent loses it's weight.
