Josh Brent, Charged for Manslaughter, Has Retired to Focus on Off-Field Issues
Usually when you hear about a player leaving a team during this time of the season, it’s because he’s been waived or suspended. It’s also very rare a player retires at 25.
Josh Brent is charged with manslaughter of former teammate and friend Jerry Brown from a drunk-driving car crash in December 2012. Brent’s blood alcohol level was 0.18, a dangerous level to get behind the wheel of a car. According to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports, Brent has decided to retire from the NFL on Thursday. Brent is also facing a DUI charge along with manslaughter. His off-the-field issues and upcoming trial needed his full attention.
Brent is a walking alcohol and drug charge. He spent a week in jail after failing two court ordered drug tests during the offseason. The Dallas police are constantly babysitting Brent, checking in with him and monitoring his alcohol levels. His court date to begin the trial for his multiple charges is Sept. 23.
Josh Brent Comments on ESPN.com in a Statement
“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.”
The former defensive tackle, drafted in 2010 from Illinois, finishes his career with 31 total tackles, 13 assisted tackles, and 1.5 sacks in 39 games.
Retirement was a good option for him since he left on his own terms and didn’t have to deal with scrutiny from the Dallas Cowboys organization. It’s not a good look for the Cowboys to have a player in and out of court. Now, the Cowboys don’t have to focus on how to deal with Brent. However, it seemed like the Cowboys were standing behind him but a final decision was supposedly being made before training camp started.
Photo Credit:
http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/12/08/dallas-cowboys-josh-brent-arrested-for-manslaughter/
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