WR David Boston (First Team All-American, NFL All Pro)

[Buckskin86]

In DUI Case, Ex-Buc Boston Opts For Reckless Driving Plea
By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune
Published: April 16, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver David Boston, arrested in August on a drunken driving charge, pleaded no contest this morning to a lesser charge of reckless driving.

County Judge William Overton sentenced the football player to six months' probation and ordered him to attend DUI school. Boston also was ordered to serve 50 hours of community service and pay $615 in investigative costs and a $500 fine.

After the plea, Assistant State Attorney Kendall Davidson said prosecutors opted for the lesser charge of reckless driving because the videotape of Davidson's field sobriety test was in Boston's favor.

Once Boston fulfills his financial obligations and attends DUI school, he will have the right to buy out of his 50 hours of community service. He also will have the right to ask for early termination of his probation.

Boston declined to comment.

One of his attorneys, Ron Hanes, said, however, that it was "extremely important to David" that he not be convicted of DUI "as he steadfastly maintained he was not impaired from the outset of this case."

"This was a fair compromise reached with the state based upon all of the facts that we uncovered in our investigation of the case and will allow David to continue to pursue his football career," Hanes said.

Wes Trombley, another attorney representing Boston, said Boston was going to join a Canadian football team in Toronto. Hanes said Boston, 29, is hoping to return to the NFL at some point and has "a lot of football left in him."

In DUI Case, Ex-Buc Boston Opts For Reckless Driving Plea

 

[OregonBuckeye]

Almost as much wasted talent as Clarett. :(

 

[matcar]

No doubt. David got some NFL paychecks first though. Too many 'roids.

 

[ScriptOhio]

No doubt. David got some NFL paychecks first though. Too many 'roids.

I would say that he got some NFL paychecks. According to USA Today he got over $13.6M from 2000 to 2005.

see: USATODAY.com

 

[Colvinnl]

Bengals could use a 3rd WR...I'm just saying...

 

[Bleed S & G]

I like how the article says he has the option to 'buy out' his community service

 

[Buckskin86]

Argos land David Boston
DAVID NAYLOR

Globe and Mail Update

April 21, 2008

The Toronto Argonauts have signed another former big-name NFL player by landing former Arizona Cardinal David Boston.

Boston, who also spent time with San Diego, Miami and Tampa Bay twice eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in a a season and was named to the Pro Bowl for the 2001 season.

But the former Ohio State star has also had his problems. He as suspended for steroid use prior to the 2004 season and was arrested last August for driving under the influence, eventually pleading no contest earlier this month.

He was released at the end of September in an injury settlement with the Buccaneers.

At just 29 years of age, and 6-foot-2, 228 pounds, Boston should give the Argos the kind of big-play receiver they've been seeking.

globesports.com: Argos land David Boston

 

[Buckskin86]

Argonauts give Boston another chance
DAVID NAYLOR

April 22, 2008

The newest Toronto Argonaut has a lot in common with several of the club's marquee signings in recent years.

Wide receiver David Boston is a former NFL star with a ton of talent, a glorious football past and some colourful history off the field. That history includes positive tests for steroids, marijuana and cocaine, and a no-contest plea to a reckless driving charge settled this month. He's also awaiting trial on charges related to an argument with his wife last October.

But if Boston was looking for a club willing to grant second or third chances to players once considered at the top of their profession, he's come to the right place.

"I'm excited to come up there and play and I feel really excited about this opportunity," Boston said yesterday. "I felt like this was a pretty good fit."

"I just want to be as healthy as I can," Boston said. "I'm a real health nut and I try to eat the right foods and take supplements and fish oils, be as healthy as I can. I've been like that for six or seven years.

"I really don't try to get caught up in [what people say about me]. When you start working out and your body starts to change, people say things. To me, the most important thing is to live one more day for my son and my daughter. People think I want to make my body look a certain way for football, but I'm really just a healthy guy."

globeandmail.com: Argonauts give Boston another chance

Another troubled soul sets sail with Argonauts
Former NFL star wide receiver says he has put problems behind him

Apr 22, 2008 04:30 AM
Rick Matsumoto
Sports Reporter

The Argonauts have tried their hand at a number of reclamation projects over the past several seasons. There was Robert Baker, R.Jay Soward, Bernard Williams, Hakim Hill, Andre Rison and, most recently, Ricky Williams.

Head coach Rich Stubler, however, doesn't think the club's latest signing, former NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver David Boston, belongs in that category.

"I don't think he's a reclamation project," Stubler said. "I don't think it's as bad as it's put out to be."

Like the others, Boston, 29, comes to the Argos with baggage.

As recently as last August, Boston, who was a first-round NFL draft pick in 1999 when the Arizona Cardinals made him the eighth overall choice, was arrested when Pinellas Park, Fla., police found him slumped over the wheel of his SUV, which was stopped with the engine running and still in drive.

He was initially charged with DUI. Tests showed he had no alcohol in his system, but revealed a high level of GHB, a drug prescribed for sleep disorders. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving and placed on probation.

Shortly after that, Boston was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his fourth NFL team.

TheStar.com | Football | Another troubled soul sets sail with Argonauts

 

[Buckskin86]

While Boston, also 29, doesn?t possess two Super Bowl rings, the former Ohio State standout can speak of his amazing third season with the Arizona Cardinals when he caught 98 passes for 1,598 yards, often embarrassing would-be tacklers, thanks to his gigantic muscular build, by literally swatting them out of the way.

However, what followed for the NFL all-star was a positive test for steroids, a DUI charge and, just as damaging, injuries that would never quite heal.

Boston thought he had found a home last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, only to re-injure his ankle in the first game.

Perceived as damaged goods after five games with the Miami Dolphins in 2005 and one game with the Buccaneers, Boston decided to kick-start his sagging career by joining the Argonauts.

An imposing 6-foot-1, muscle-bound specimen, Boston denied that his chiselled physique might have led to injuries in the NFL.

?I?m the same weight, 230-235 (pounds),? said Boston, as if to brush off such thoughts. ?It?s the left knee.?

Which, Boston emphatically states, is ready to go.

?I?m looking forward to (the CFL). It?s a new experience. It should be fun. I?ve watched (game) tape,? Boston added in reference to the wide-open CFL game, which emphasizes passing.

Suggesting that his past is just that, Boston said he hopes to be ?a good example to some of the younger guys.?

As father to Alaia Gianna, who turned three on May 1, and Jaylen James, who was born last September, Boston has two other reasons to be a good example.

Former NFLers looking for fresh start - The Mississauga News - Mississauga.com

 

[Buckskin86]

RICK MADONIK/TORONTO STAR
Former NFL receiver David Boston can only watch and wait at Argo training camp on May 29, 2008, because of a foot problem that appears to be minor.

Can Boston make it with Argos?
May 30, 2008
CHRIS ZELKOVICH
SPORTS REPORTER

The latest David Boston reclamation project is still on hold.

The former NFL Pro Bowl receiver, who hasn't caught a pro football pass since 2005 because of injuries and legal woes, spent the opening day of the Toronto Argonauts training camp as a spectator.

While raw rookies with simple dreams tried to show their stuff under the broiling sun at the University of Toronto at Mississauga campus, the man who five years ago signed a $53 million contract with the San Diego Chargers watched patiently. A pre-camp medical detected a foot problem that will be assessed this morning.

But neither Boston nor head coach Rich Stubler considers it an issue. Both expect the well-travelled NFLer to be running pass routes today.

Though it's the same foot Boston injured warming up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' opener last September, leading to his eventual release, Boston says he doesn't know if it's related.

``I'm not exactly sure what it is," he said. ``I'll just have to wait until the doctor sees it, but I don't think it's anything to worry about

``I guess it's probably my best option at this point," he said. ``If I was back in the NFL, I'd be lucky to be the fifth or sixth backup receiver, backing somebody else up and not really getting the chance to compete."

Boston says he's learned from those mistakes that had his name on police blotters more often than on NFL game sheets.

``I think I've learned from my mistakes," he said. ``Some guys do and some guys don't, but I think I have."

His biggest challenge will be learning the CFL rules, he says. The physical side, foot woes excepted, isn't an issue.

``I'm pretty much back to my normal self, but I haven't played enough," he said. ``I've just got to learn how to play up here."

TheStar.com | Sports | Can Boston make it with Argos?

Fri, May 30, 2008
Reluctant spectator
Ex-NFL receiver hurts foot
By TERRY KOSHAN, SUN MEDIA

David Boston hadn't so much as touched a regulation CFL football and already he was a casualty.

But with all that Boston has brought upon himself since he led the National Football League in receiving in 2001, a minor foot injury won't knock the 6-foot-1, 232-pound wide receiver for a loop.

The Argos were on the field yesterday at the University of Toronto's Erindale campus for the first day of their mini-camp before the real thing starts on Sunday, and Boston did little more than cross his arms and watch. A small problem with his right foot put him in the role of spectator, but both Boston and the Argos expect him to be cleared to practise after he is examined by a specialist this morning.

"I'm not concerned at all," Boston said. "I just have to be smart and safe -- there's no reason to go out there and let your emotions take over and you get hurt."

TorontoSun.com - Football- Reluctant spectator

 

[Buckskin86]

Injury holds up Boston's CFL career
Herald News Services
Published: Monday, June 02, 2008

David Boston's CFL career is in serious jeopardy after he was forced to leave Toronto Argonauts training camp because of a foot injury.

The former Arizona Cardinals star receiver was one of the Argos' high-profile off-season acquisitions and many expected him to vie for a starting spot with the club.

"Boston had a pre-existing injury -- he's actually gone down to see a specialist in Baltimore and they may end up doing surgery on it," Toronto head coach Rich Stubler said. "If they do, we expect him back in 10 to 12 weeks. If not, we expect him back in the next couple weeks."

When the 29-year-old sat out the first day of a mini-camp for Toronto rookies and quarterbacks, the team said it was a precaution and the former NFLer would be medically cleared for the start of the main training camp Sunday. It now appears Boston has aggravated an injury first sustained in September 2007.

Boston was brought in to give the Argos a threat to go along with Arland Bruce, the team's top receiver last season.

Injury holds up Boston's CFL career

Hurting Argo Boston to see specialist

Dave Boston didn't make it to the first full practice of training camp.

The former NFL wide receiver, who was the Argonauts' most-publicized off-season acquisition, was in Baltimore yesterday where he will be examined for a stress fracture in his right foot and could be lost to the team for as long as three months.

Boston arrived for the three-day rookie camp on Wednesday, but didn't participate in the workouts, watching instead from the sidelines.

Head coach Rich Stubler said if the specialist who examines Boston decides he doesn't need surgery, then he could be back with the team in two weeks.

"It's a pre-existing injury that (Argo doctor Anthony Galea) found and we're appreciative that he did and so is David," said Stubler.

"It's not really broken, it's a weakness at a point that affects a man of his size, speed and agility. That's part of the problem he's had in the NFL."

Stubler said he expects to find out how long Boston will be out by the end of next week.

While he insisted Boston had not automatically been given a starting job, Stubler said he felt the former first-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals "had a great opportunity to be a great player in this league. I still think he can do that.

"He has great potential, but the world is full of people with great potential who are standing on the sidelines beside me."

TheStar.com | Football | Hurting Argo Boston to see specialist

 

[Buckskin86]

Argos notebook: Boston out at least 10 weeks
Posted: June 09, 2008
by Mark Masters

Toronto Argonauts receiver David Boston will be out at least 10 weeks with what appears to be stress fracture in his right foot.
Argos general manager Adam Rita said Monday that the former National Football League star could return before the end of the 2008 season.

?David Boston is getting treatment on his foot and we are not sure when he?s going to be back, but he?s eager to be back and hopefully we?ll get him down the stretch,? Rita said.

Boston will not have surgery, according to head coach Rich Stubler. ?There?s a procedure that they?re going to use where he?ll be immobilized for six weeks, and then we figure it?ll take him four weeks to get back into shape,? Stubler said.

Boston left Toronto?s training camp on May 30 to see a specialist in Baltimore. The Argos put him on their suspended list because the injury was sustained before he was signed by the club.

Rita said Boston may have surgery after the season, but the Arizona Cardinals draft pick wanted to put that off in the hopes of playing again this year.

Argos notebook: Boston out at least 10 weeks - Posted Sports

 

[Buckskin86]

Boston set to make his return to Argos
Receiver Recovered
Mark Masters, National Post
Published: Saturday, June 21, 2008

MISSISSAUGA - David Boston is back in Toronto and ready to suit up for the Argonauts despite reports he would miss the first two months of the Canadian Football League season while recovering from a right foot injury.

The former National Football League star will practise with the Argos tomorrow for the first time after abruptly leaving to undergo medical treatment three weeks ago.

Head coach Rich Stubler said the team is happy to welcome Boston back.

"This has been an old injury from a long time ago and it was up to him if he wanted to play --and to the degree he wanted to play," Stubler said. "And I'm good with that."

Boston originally suffered the foot injury -- believed to be a stress fracture -- while warming up for a game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September, 2007.

He was released by Tampa Bay soon after and Toronto signed him in April.

Boston went to Baltimore to see a foot specialist on the eve of the Argos' training camp after team doctors noticed a problem. He opted against having surgery, but was still expected to be out at least 10 weeks. Now it appears he may start for the Argos in their season opener on Friday.

Drafted eighth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 1999 Boston faced a series of off-the-field problems during his eight years in the NFL, testing positive for steroids, marijuana and cocaine and recently entering a no-contest plea on a reckless driving charge.

The Argos, however, have touted his talent and believe the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Ohio State product can bolster a receiving corps that last year lacked big-play potential.

"He gives [our offence] a different dimension," said Stubler.

Boston set to make his return to Argos

Sat, June 21, 2008
Argos have more than a feeling for Boston
By TERRY KOSHAN, SUN MEDIA

TORONTO -- His final cuts out of the way, Argos coach Rich Stubler yesterday dropped a juicy bit of news.

Argos fans should expect to see receiver David Boston in uniform Friday night in Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers in the 2008 regular-season opener.

Boston had told Sun Media Thursday night that he is ready to start practising, and he will do exactly that tomorrow when the Argos return to the field after a day off today.

"I would absolutely think so," Stubler said of Boston playing against Winnipeg. "It's huge, and gives us a different dimension.

"He is 245 pounds. He walks into a room and looks like (270-pound) defensive end Jonathan Brown. He can run. I'm excited about having him on our football team."

edmontonsun.com - Football- Argos have more than a feeling for Boston

 

[Buckskin86]

Mon, June 23, 2008
Hurt Boston a go for T.O.
UPDATED: 2008-06-23

Despite foot injury, Argos coach puts former NFL star on regular-season roster

By FRANK ZICARELLI, SUN MEDIA


TORONTO -- David Boston is finally able to put his best foot forward at a time when the Toronto Argonauts hopeful appeared to be going backward.

While he's far from 100% healthy, Boston did take part in his first practice with the team yesterday, making such a first impression with first-year head coach Rich Stubler that Boston will dress for this Friday's regular-season opener in Winnipeg.

"He's on the roster, period,'' Stubler said. "Whether he plays depends on how he grasps things this week."

As early as two weeks ago, the Argos weren't counting on Boston to do anything for at least 10 weeks in the wake of a foot injury that prevented the former NFL first-round draft pick from practising.

After consulting a foot specialist in Maryland, Boston was told surgery was required.

After consulting with another specialist in Tennessee, Boston realized his ailment was a pre-existing condition that could be managed.

"There's no pain at this point,'' Boston said after he tested his right foot during yesterday's practice session.

"I was glad I was able to test it. It felt great."

Boston admits there are risks in playing on a fractured foot, but he's willing to face any repercussion.

"I've made the decision, and I'm not going to dwell on it,'' Boston said. "I'm prepared to live with the consequences if something negative happens."

Given all the negative coverage leading up to Boston's arrival, his damaged foot is the least of his worries.

Like some Americans who travel north of the border, Boston brought with him personal demons.

Two years ago, Boston was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being arrested for DUI, one of several missteps in an NFL career that was, at times, spectacular.

Last year, he sat out the entire season and was hopeful of getting a fresh start on his professional and personal life when the Argos signed the Ohio State product to a free-agent contract in April.

"I'm a long way from being the player I want to be,'' Boston said. "There's so much to learn."

The aspects of Boston's game that intrigued the Argos so much aren't easily taught.

"He has size, and he has ability,'' Stubler said.

The Calgary Sun - Hurt Boston a go for T.O.

Boston returns to Argos practice
Jun 23, 2008
Chris Zelkovich
Sports Reporter

A matter of weeks after David Boston was reportedly out for at least two months with a foot injury, the former NFL all-pro receiver is back with the Toronto Argonauts. Even more amazingly, he could start in Friday's CFL season opener.

"I'm not totally 100 per cent, but this injury has been existing for a while and I just wanted to give it a go," the former Arizona Cardinal, San Diego Charger, Miami Dolphin and Tampa Bay Buccaneer said after his first CFL workout yesterday.

Boston was in Toronto for the start of training camp but never practised and was placed on the suspended list when his medical revealed a foot injury. Boston said a specialist recommended surgery, but that a second opinion that his problem was a two-year-old stress fracture led to his return.

Head coach Rich Stubler was impressed with Boston's first workout.

"He brings size and speed and lined up next to Bethel (Johnson), I'm excited about that," he said, adding that Boston will dress Friday in Winnipeg.

"Whether he starts or not is a matter of how much he can grasp in the next three days," he added.

At 6-1, 235 pounds, a healthy Boston could be a dominant force.

TheStar.com | Football | Boston returns to Argos practice

Argos' Boston to play through injury
Mark Masters, National Post
Published: Sunday, June 22, 2008

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- David Boston is willing to do whatever it takes to revive his football career, even if that means playing with a stress fracture in his right foot.

"I'm not totally 100% but I feel like this injury has been there for awhile and I just want to give it a go," said the former National football League receiver, who practised with the Toronto Argonauts for the first time in three weeks Sunday.

After seeing a specialist about the injury, sustained during his time in the NFL, Boston was told he would miss at least 10 weeks of action. Unhappy with the diagnosis, he searched out a second opinion and then a third opinion until he finally heard what he wanted.

The 29-year-old former Pro Bowl player said he understands the risks involved with his comeback.

"I like to play the game and I'm not going to dwell on it," Boston said. "I made the decision and I'm going to live with the consequences if something negative happens. I'm just focused on getting myself in shape so I can help my team win."

Argos' Boston to play through injury

 

[Buckskin86]

Boston needs foot surgery after all
Jun 30, 2008
Chris Zelkovich
Sports Reporter

Apparently, the first opinion on David Boston's foot injury was the correct one.

The former NFL all-star wide receiver will undergo surgery on the stress fracture in his right foot tomorrow and will be lost to the Toronto Argonauts for 10 to 12 weeks.

That's the diagnosis the Argos had been given at the start of training camp, but Boston sought a second opinion and returned just over a week ago in an attempt to resuscitate his career.

He played in Friday's season-opening 23-16 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, catching one pass for four yards. But he told head coach Rich Stubler Saturday that he was opting for surgery.

"He came to me and said, `(The) foot is bothering me too much and I need to go get it taken care of,'" Stubler said yesterday. "He gave it six days and tried, but it's just not going to work out for him.

"We'll go back to the original plan. Hopefully, we'll see him in 10 to 12 weeks."

Though Boston lined up for about 30 plays Friday, Stubler said he noticed things weren't right and that Boston was having trouble making cuts.

TheStar.com | Football | Boston needs foot surgery after all