SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 15: Dana Stubblefield #94 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates on the field during the game against the Denver Broncos at Candlestick Park on September 15, 2002 in San Francisco, California. The Broncos won 24-14. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Dana Stubblefield, former 49er’s first-round pick and three-time All-Pro, was convicted of sexual assault on Monday following a nine-month trial and a five-year legal process after the assault was reported in 2015. Stubblefield, 49, could face 15 years to life in prison. He has had run-ins with the law in the past including mail fraud, but this is a much more disturbing entry into the ex-players’ troubled history. The victim of the crime was developmentally disabled, and Stubblefield lured her into his home under the pretense of a babysitting job.
The jury found Stubblefield guilty of rape by force, oral copulation by force and false imprisonment and acquitted him of raping a person incapable of giving consent. The prosecution commented on the outcome of the trial: “This was a triumph of resilience. The victim has struggled her whole life with learning disabilities and challenges to be self-sufficient. If we are not fighting for her, then who are we fighting for?”
The defense promised to appeal the decision and seek another trial.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Chicago Bears legend and former fullback Matt Suhey passed away this weekend. Suhey was part…
Heading into head coach Dan Lanning’s fourth season, the Oregon Ducks were expected to be…
The Dallas Cowboys have waived quarterback Joe Milton III, as the team announced Sam Howell…
Indianapolis Colts receiver Keenan Allen was arrested after being suspected of driving under the influence.…
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut Veteran quarterback Jake Browning months after signing him to a…
Arch Manning, coming off what some would call a disappointing year, has started strong as…