Former NFL defensive lineman Dana Stubblefield has received significant legal relief, more than four years after being convicted of rape and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. A California appeals court has overturned his conviction, citing improper conduct by prosecutors during the trial.
According to the Associated Press, the court determined that the prosecutors used “racially discriminatory language,” which violated state laws.
The allegations stem from a 2015 incident in which Stubblefield reportedly contacted a 31-year-old woman through a babysitting website. After a brief 20-minute interview, Stubblefield allegedly texted her offering to pay for her time. When the woman returned, Stubblefield was accused of raping her at gunpoint and giving her $80 afterward.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that police did not search Stubblefield’s home for a weapon, claiming such an action against a prominent Black man would “open up a storm of controversy.” This statement played a key role in the appeals court’s decision to overturn the conviction.
Additionally, Stubblefield’s legal team contended that the trial judge unfairly barred evidence suggesting the alleged victim was a sex worker and that the encounter was consensual and transactional.
Stubblefield remains in custody for now, but his attorneys plan to request his release in the coming week. Prosecutors must now decide whether to appeal the ruling to the California Supreme Court, refile the charges, or drop the case entirely.
During his NFL career, Stubblefield played for the San Francisco 49ers, Washington, and the Oakland Raiders. He was a key member of the 49ers’ Super Bowl XXIX championship team, earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1997, and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1993. Stubblefield was a three-time Pro Bowler and a one-time first-team All-Pro.
