"NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell came down hard on Browns receiver Donté Stall worth on Thursday, suspending him indefinitely without pay and warning him that his discipline from the league for killing a pedes trian while driving drunk will be severe.

"The conduct reflected in your guilty plea resulted in the tragic loss of life and was inexcusable," Goodell said in a letter to Stall- worth.

"While the criminal justice system has determined the legal consequences of this incident, it is my responsibility as NFL commissioner to determine appropriate league discipline for your actions, which have caused irreparable harm to the victim and his family, your club, your fellow players and the NFL."

Goodell told Stallworth, who began his 30-day jail sentence Tuesday, that he would meet with his representatives "in due course" before determining the length of the suspension.

But judging from the strong language in the letter, Stall- worth can expect to be suspended for a year or more. Goodell made it clear that Stallworth's conduct, which led to a DUI manslaughter conviction, violated both the NFL's Personal Conduct and Substances of Abuse policies - and that he could harshly reprimand him for just one of those.

"In this case, there is ample evidence to warrant significant discipline under both policies," Goodell said.

Browns General Manager George Kokinis said in a statement released by the club last night, "We support the action taken by the commissioner today and will continue to work closely with the league regarding this matter."

Stallworth's attorney, David Cornwell, said in a statement he hopes Goodell will consider Stallworth's good character, clean record and willingness to accept responsibility for his actions in making his decis- ion."