Legal wrangling to delay Stevens' potential jail time

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER and RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writers
Published September 15, 2007

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TAMPA -Any jail time for Jerramy Stevens likely won't be served until after the season.

The tight end, convicted of drunken driving last week in Scottsdale, Ariz., is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 2.

Stevens, stopped in March, a month before signing with the Bucs, faces 30 days to six months in jail because his offense is an "extreme" DUI. His blood-alcohol content was three times the limit at which the state presumes impairment.

But filing a motion to vacate the jury decision, which his lawyer, Jim Nesci, said he intends to do, automatically stays the sentence. Nesci added the process likely will extend beyond the season.

Stevens still could be subject to punishment under the NFL's conduct policy but not its substance-abuse policy unless he was enrolled in the program at the time of the incident. Participation is confidential.

Under the program, suspensions are not levied for a first offense.

A judge can suspend as many as 20 days of Stevens' sentence based on treatment, Nesci said.

WAIT ON CADILLAC: Running back Cadillac Williams was limited at practice again Friday with bruised ribs sustained Sunday against Seattle, and his status for Sunday will be a game-time decision.

"I'll go out and try it on Sunday, fly around and bump around," Williams said. "It feels real good."

Williams said he won't wear a flak jacket but will have extra padding.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Chris Hovan was limited by a sprained ankle but said he expects to play.

BLOOMING IN TAMPA?: Coach Jon Gruden confirmed the Bucs recently worked out receiver/kick returner Jeremy Bloom, a one-time Olympic skier who was released by the Eagles last month.

The signing of kick returner Mark Jones this week, however, likely means they won't pursue Bloom.