Dana Stubblefield is finally released from prison, but prosecutors intend to refile rape charges
Via the Associated Press, a judge granted Stubblefield's release on Friday.
"Finally, an innocent man is no longer sitting in a cage away from his family," attorney Kenneth Rosenfeld said in a statement.
Stubblefield and his lawyers will hold a press conference on Wednesday.
The district attorney's office intends to refile charges.
"A jury unanimously found Mr. Stubblefield guilty of raping a woman at gunpoint, he was given an appropriate sentence, and we felt that justice had been served," Assistant District Attorney Terry Harman said in a statement. "That justice has been interrupted and although we are disappointed that the judge released Mr. Stubblefield from custody while we await a decision from the California Supreme Court, we remain focused on the sexual assault that occurred, the victim, and the need for accountability and community safety."
The conviction was reversed because prosecutors used "racially discriminatory language" at trial, in violation of California law. His release had been delayed by the time needed to deliver the proper paperwork from the appeals court to the trial court.
While free from custody, Stubblefield is required to wear an ankle monitor, not possess firearms, and not contact the alleged victim.
Stubblefield spent 11 years in the NFL, playing for the 49ers, Washington, and the Raiders. He won Super Bowl XXIX with the 49ers and was named both the 1997 defensive player of the year and the 1993 defensive rookie of the year.
He'll potentially face a new trial on the charges, along with the possibility of another conviction.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
a few seconds ago
- USA Today
4 Chargers players with most on the line vs. 49ers
The regular season is just a couple of weeks away, which means the preseason is nearly over. This weekend's preseason finale against the 49ers still brings plenty of storylines to look forward to. The 53-man roster will be finalized soon, meaning this weekend's game is a big one for those competing to make the team. Let's look at what four Chargers players have the most on the line against the 49ers on Saturday. QB Taylor Heinicke Heinicke has seemingly lost the backup job to Trey Lance over the last month. While he still has an outside shot at that No. 2 job, just making the 53-man roster is more important at this point. The team could very well opt to carry just two quarterbacks, which would all but end Heinicke's tenure in Los Angeles. We'll see how he performs and who officially takes over that role as the primary backup to quarterback Justin Herbert. CB Ja'Sir Taylor It's been a back-and-forth few months for Taylor. He's spent all three years of his NFL career with the Chargers, but he was tabbed as a possible cut candidate heading into the summer. Taylor has had plenty of bright moments in training camp, but then some troubles in the preseason. He has experience both at cornerback and on special teams, which bodes well for his 53-man roster chances. With a strong performance in the preseason finale, he may be able to solidify his spot. S Tony Jefferson You'll notice a common theme here, with three seasoned veterans, all of whom were with the team in 2024. The safety features three locks with Jefferson and rookie RJ Mickens, then fighting to make the 53-man roster. Both of them deserve to make the team, it's just a matter of whether the team wants to keep five safeties or not. Jefferson still brings some value on special teams in addition to his veteran leadership. He played 224 defensive snaps as well in 2024, so he still has some game left at safety. EDGE Kyle Kennard This summer hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows for Kennard, the fourth-round pick out of South Carolina. Presumed to be the fourth edge rusher behind Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree, Kennard has failed to make his presence known. He has missed all preseason games except for the Hall of Fame Game due to an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, Caleb Murphy has been chipping away to secure the role. Assuming that he is healthy enough to play in the preseason finale, Kennard must deliver a solid performance to try to earn it.
Fox Sports
a few seconds ago
- Fox Sports
The NFL is Cracking Down on Violent and Sexually Suggestive Gestures
National Football League The NFL is Cracking Down on Violent and Sexually Suggestive Gestures Published Aug. 21, 2025 3:43 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link The NFL wants players to have fun within the rules. That's why the league will be emphasizing sportsmanship and cracking down on violent and sexually suggestive gestures this season. "Unsportsmanlike gestures like simulating or either shooting a gun or brandishing a gun, or inappropriate gestures like a throat slash, or unfortunate sexual gestures, those were up 133% so that is a point of emphasis," NFL officiating rules analyst Walt Anderson said Thursday. "The officials have made it a point of emphasis to the clubs. It's just one of those areas that the league wants to work actively on. There are plenty of ways for players to be able to celebrate, and they come up with some very unique and often entertaining ways so we want them to focus on those and not the inappropriate areas." In April, the NFL expanded prohibited acts to include banning the "nose wipe" gesture that league executive Troy Vincent said is affiliated with gangs. The unsportsmanlike conduct rule now states: "any violent gesture, which shall include but not be limited to a throat slash, simulating firing or brandishing a gun, or using the 'nose wipe' gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive. "There's no place in the game to be standing over your opponent," Vincent said in a video that's sent to teams. "There's no place in the game to have violent gestures. That's not the game of football. We just have to play by the rules, respect your opponent, respect your teammates and play the game in between the whistles." Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Football League What did you think of this story? share Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Associated Press
2 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Lions' Aidan Hutchinson keeps focus on return to field during contract extension talks
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Aidan Hutchinson's value to the Detroit defense became painfully apparent when the top-seeded Lions were bounced by Washington in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs last season. The Lions failed to sack Jayden Daniels during the Commanders' 45-31 victory while Hutchinson watched as his broken tibia and fibula continued to heal. Putting an exact dollar figure on Hutchinson's worth could be the tricky part as Detroit's front office and the star defensive end's representatives try to work out a new contract. While the Lions have already exercised their $19,782,000 option on Hutchinson's contract for 2026, the 2023 Pro Bowler is eligible for an extension. Hutchinson has tried to concentrate on getting ready for the season and isn't sure how long the negotiations might last. 'I've kind of been pretty hands-off in the process,' he said after a joint practice between Detroit and Houston on Thursday. 'The business side can take away your love of the game a little bit. That's kind of the reality in the NFL.' T.J. Watt's three-year, $123 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers with $108 million guaranteed could provide a baseline for Hutchinson's next contract. 'I have a lot of people in my close circle that do deal with that,' said Hutchinson, the second pick of the 2022 draft. 'My main focus is out here playing football and playing the game I love.' That was taken away from him during the fifth game of last season, when fellow lineman Alim McNeill fell on his leg during a 47-9 win over Dallas. Hutchinson already had 7 1/2 sacks and was well on his way to another Pro Bowl season. He was cleared medically in May and hasn't suffered any setbacks during training camp. Any concerns about the strength of his surgically repaired leg were alleviated when he got leg-whipped by a linebacker during a goal-line play in practice three weeks ago. 'It was right smack dab where Alim hit me a few months ago,' Hutchinson said. 'I got up and shook it out. When you can get leg-whipped, you start to have that confidence where, 'I have a steel rod in my leg and that thing's not going anywhere.'' Hutchinson hasn't played this preseason and, as with the other Detroit starters, that isn't expected to change in the preseason finale against the Texans on Saturday. The first units for both teams faced each other during Thursday's practice, working on situations such as red zone and two-minute execution. Hutchinson was matched up against tackle Tytus Howard. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Hutchinson looked as fierce as ever in the scrimmage. 'With as tough an injury as he had to go through, it's cool to see him back out working and he's still bringing it on the edge,' Ryans said. 'I thought Tytus did a really nice job today. Of course, Aidan got him a couple of times and Tytus got him a couple of times. But that's two pros working together.' Hutchinson's long wait to get back will end on Sept. 7, when the Lions open their season at Green Bay. 'I feel like I'm in a really good spot right now,' he said. 'I'm just trying to carry all this momentum into Week 1 and stay hot throughout the whole season.' ___ AP NFL:
