Dallas Cowboy, Josh Brent is added to the list of criminals who also play professional football.
In late 2012, Josh earned a starting spot on the Cowboy’s defensive line. On December 8, he and teammate Jerry Brown, Jr. were out, enjoying a night before leaving for a road game the following day. Josh was driving the two around and he flipped his Mercedes-Benz. Brown died at the scene.
25-year-old, Josh Brent has been charged with Intoxication Manslaughter because his blood alcohol level was 0.189, more than twice the legal limit, and he faced twenty years in prison.
Josh was drug tested and the results came back positive for marijuana, so he was sent back to jail. This time, Josh’s bond was set and he was required to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet and a drug-monitoring patch at all times.
The Consequences Of His Actions
Josh Brent decided to retire from the NFL. He feels that he needs to focus on things that are more important than football. His attorney went to the County Magistrate on a Sunday to request that Josh’s $100,000 bond be reinstated with a promise that he will follow condition agreed upon with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. It is rare that a judge will offer a ruling on a Sunday. “I’ve never seen anything like this happen on a Sunday. I do understand that training camp is coming up and they [Dallas Cowboys] may need him out there,” said Criminal Defense Attorney, Ed Klein, but didn’t Josh retire?
Following his retirement, Josh said, “This is the right decision for me, and something that I have given a lot of thought to. I am at a point where my main focus is all about getting the priorities in my life in order. Those priorities are more important than football. Doing the right things in life are more important than football. I love the game very much. I love my teammates, but this is the right thing for me to do.”
Issues Of Addiction And Alcoholism
It seems the bigger issues Josh is referring to include addiction and alcoholism. He did not stay clean and sober while being monitored for substance use. That is a sign of addiction: the inability to control the use of drugs and alcohol. With the death of a teammate and friend forever on his conscience, Josh has even more reason to use, to numb out, to avoid feelings, and to escape from his reality.
The Dallas Cowboys camp has said that they want to support a family member through this time, but there has not been a statement released saying that Josh will attend a substance abuse treatment program. This young man needs rehab.
The Aftermath
Sadly, after a previous driving while intoxicated (DUI), driving with a suspended license, and speeding arrest Josh did not seek professional help. The death of Jerry Brown, Jr. and the potential end of Josh’s football career, and life as a free man, could all have been avoided.
What will the people in his life do to get Josh the care he needs? Will be make the right decision and choose treatment?
Kate is a blogger that writes for Balboa Horizons Treatment Services and specializes in substance abuse recovery.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
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