Former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent was found guilty of intoxication manslaughter on Friday. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail and ten years of probation.
Back in December 2012, Brent was driving drunk and crashed his Mercedes on a Dallas highway, resulting in the death of his best friend and teammate, Jerry Brown, who was riding in the passenger seat. Neither of the men was wearing a seat belt as Brent drove down the service road at 110 mph after a party. Brent’s blood test later showed that his blood alcohol level was over twice the state’s legal limit. The former Cowboy was at risk of being sent to prison for 20 years.
Prosecutors hoped Brent would be imprisoned while Brent’s attorneys pleaded for probation. One of his attorneys, Kevin Brooks, had remarked that Brent would be easy to monitor because of “who he is and who he was.”
After he read the sentence, District Judge Robert Burns reprimanded Brent. “Sadly, Mr Brent, you’re not the first Dallas Cowboy to kill someone with a motor vehicle,” Burns said. “But, I sure hope you’re the last. And sadly, you’re not the first Dallas Cowboy to be convicted of a felony in this past year’s time, but I hope you’re the last for a long time.”
He also mentioned Brent’s previous DWI. “You chose the path of irresponsibility,” he added. “No driver’s license, no insurance — you shouldn’t have even been driving a car to begin with. Not to mention the fact that you’re driving while intoxicated. You chugged a bunch of alcohol, weren’t wearing your seat belt [and] didn’t make sure your passenger had a seat belt on.”
Brown’s mother, Stacey Jackson, has publicly forgiven Brent. When asked if she considers Brent to be responsible for her son’s death, she said, “He’s still responsible, but you can’t go on in life holding a grudge. We all make mistakes.”
Brent retired from football last year. It is unknown whether he will ever try to join the NFL again.
