Sports

Actions

Ex-NFL Player Josh Brent To Stand Trial For Fatal Accident

Ex-Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent will stand trial Monday for being behind the wheel in a car crash that killed teammate Jerry Brown.
Posted

Ex-Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent will stand trial Monday for being behind the wheel in a car crash that killed fellow teammate Jerry Brown. 

"Hi, I need to report a car accident." (Via Irving Police Department)

On December 8, 2012, while driving home from a night out, police say Brent flipped his car by hitting the side of a curb. The car reportedly caught fire and slid almost 900 feet. Neither Brent nor Brown had on a seat belt. 

"When our officers arrived on scene, Mr. Brent was removing or dragging Mr. Brown from the vehicle." (Via ABC)

Authorities say Brent's blood alcohol level that night was 0.18, more than twice the legal limit. 

Brent faces up to 20 years in jail for intoxication manslaughter but interestingly enough Brown's mother says she's since forgiven Brent and reportedly plans to testify on his behalf. (Via KXAS)

Telling The Dallas Morning News, "If being mad at Josh would bring Jerry back, I would be the No. 1 person. ... It takes too much time and too much energy to be mad and frustrated at him." 

Brown and Brent both played for the University of Illinois and have been friends since college. According to The Dallas Morning News, Brent has spoken with Brown's mother every week since the accident. (Via KDAF)

The Dallas County district attorney has said this case is a priority for his office and he will be pushing for jail time, rather than probation, to send a message to the public.

This trial comes on the heels of a nationally controversial verdict in a neighboring county of Dallas in which a teenager received probation after killing four in a drunk driving accident. (Via CNN )

Brent's manslaughter case is set to begin Monday. The jury consists of 10 women and two men.