Because of a DUI related car accident on December 8, 2012, Dallas Cowboys football player Josh Brent is facing involuntary manslaughter charges for the death of his teammate, Jerry Brown. When the accident occurred, Brent’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. Brent says that he is retiring because doing the right thing is more important as he prepares to defend himself against the manslaughter charge.
According to the Daily News –
In a statement released by the Cowboys, Brent said he had “given a lot of thought” to his decision. His football career has been on hold since the Dec. 8 crash that killed Jerry Brown, a practice squad player, college teammate and close friend.
But alcohol isn’t the only substance issue Josh Brent is dealing with. Since being out on bond, Brent has tested positive twice for marijuana, and after the second failed test he spent some time in jail. He is out on bond again, under stricter conditions which include monitoring for drugs and alcohol, and Brent is banned from driving.
Although Josh Brent has a deep love for the game of football, he says getting his life straight is the most important thing, so retiring from the game is what he must do.
“I am at a point where my main focus is all about getting the priorities in my life in order,” Brent said. “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.”
It sounds to me like Brent has a lot on his plate and is making a good decision to retire from the NFL. Substance abuse recovery treatment take a lot of time and attention to resolve, but with the right help and support it is possible for anyone to recover.
