Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth received the first installment on a $4.875 million roster bonus that was earned the day before the incident that resulted in the charges he currently faces according to ProFootballTalk.com. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Stallworth received $2.25 million from the Browns on May 15. In our view, if the Browns were done with him, they would have stiffed him. Source: ProFootballTalk.com
I'm pretty sure the money counts against the cap whether they pay it or not. He hasn't been convicted yet, and there is wording in the contract that allows the Browns to recoup some of the money if he is. So, if they don't pay it and release him they give up his rights. If they pay it, they have the option of trying to recoup it, or can still trade/play him if and when he finishes any suspension.
Just wanted to add that he hasn't been participating in minicamps or OTA's even though he is allowed to be with the team.
