Wide receivers in trouble

SI Staff | Apr 9, 2010

Wide receivers in trouble

Brandon Marshall

AP

Jay Cutler's favorite target in Denver, Marshall caught 100 passes each of the past two seasons, tallying 1,325 and 1,265 yards receiving. He's also caught more than his share of trouble. He's been arrested for DUI and on domestic violence charges, and missed time after slipping on a McDonald's bag and falling through a TV. Marshall has undergone anger management counseling but still may face discipline from the NFL for violating the league's personal-conduct policy.

Randy Moss

AP

Although he's been incident-free since his arrival in New England, Moss traveled in a storm of controversy for the first part of his career. From misdemeanor marijuana possession to leaving the field during a game, Moss's actions didn't endear him to his coaches. Then, while playing for the Raiders, he admitted to not always giving his full effort. "I play when I want to play," he said.

Terrell Owens

AP

Flamboyant, undeniably-talented and talkative, T.O. has worn out his welcome quickly at each stop during his career. He criticized Donovan McNabb with the Eagles (saying they'd be undefeated with Brett Favre at QB), nearly overdosed in what many media reported as a "failed suicide attempt," and spat in Atlanta cornerback DeAngelo Hall's face during a game. Released on March 4, by the Cowboys, Owens signed with the Bills three days later.

Plaxico Burress

Chris Gardner/Getty Images

Strangely enough, Burress managed to avoid the limelight before the Giants victory in Super Bowl XLII, in which he caught the game-winning pass. Since then, Burress has had an array of legal troubles ranging from domestic disputes and civil suits to an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound, which also included the possibility of 3 1/2 years in prison for the unlawful carrying of a weapon. The Giants cut ties with Burress, releasing him on April 3.

Chad Johnson

Greg Nelson/SI

The Bengals all-time leader in receiving yards, Johnson has made a name for himself by, well, changing his name. Known as much for his celebrations as for his ability, Johnson has openly complained about the Bengals organization, and lobbied (both on his own and through his agent Drew Rosenhaus) for a trade.

Matt Jones

AP

After his production slipped during the 2007 season, Jones got into trouble off the field when he and a former Arkansas teammate were arrested with six grams of cocaine. Jones agreed to enter a drug treatment program, but in March 2009, he tested positive for alcohol -- a violation of his probation -- and the Jaguars released him.

Donte' Stallworth

AP

Just over a year after signing a seven-year, $35 million contract with the Browns, Stallworth struck and killed a pedestrian in Miami Beach, Fla. Stallworth was driving his Bentley at the time, and was later charged with both DUI and manslaughter. He faces up to 15 years in jail.

Marvin Harrison

Matt A. Brown/Icon SMI

On April 29, 2008, a shooting in which three people were injured occurred outside Harrison's bar "Playmakers" in Philadelphia. Harrison admitted that the gun -- an armor-piercing Belgian-made pistol -- was his, and surrendered it to police. Two witnesses identified Harrison as the shooter, but because of their inability to cooperate with the authorities, the Philadelphia D.A. announced that Harrison would not face criminal charges. In a move related to Harrison's decreasing onfield production, the Colts released Harrison on Feb. 24.

Steve Smith

AP

The Panthers' Pro Bowl receiver has twice been involved in altercations with teammates, last season with Ken Lucas and years earlier with practice squad player Anthony Bright, who was sent to the hospital for two nights with a broken nose. Smith was suspended by the Panthers for one game and faced misdemeanor assault charges from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, but was not sentenced to any prison time. He was suspended again for striking Lucas.