The National Football league is dealing with its second tragedy in as many weeks as an auto accident claimed the life of one of its players while another is facing serious criminal charges. Jerry Brown of the Dallas Cowboys was killed when the car he was riding in, driven by teammate Josh Brent reportedly hit a curb and flipped over, landing on its roof.
The two were also teammates at the University of Illinois from 2007 to 2009. According to numerous reports, Brent was trying to help his former roommate make the Cowboys roster after Brown had been cut from the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad in October. Brown was currently on the Cowboys practice squad as a reserve linebacker.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the news of this accident and the passing of Jerry Brown. At this time, our hearts and prayers and deepest sympathies are with the members of Jerry’s family and all of those who knew him and loved him.”
Irving, Texas police said that Brent was seen dragging Brown’s body from the vehicle, which had caught on fire. Brown was unconscious at the scene and was pronounced dead at the hospital. He was over 25 years old.
Brent was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter. He was recently released on $500,000 bond. In the meantime, it remains to be seen whether he will face a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Brown’s family, especially given the friendship between the two players.
Source: HuffingtonPost.com, Cowboys’ Josh Brent charged after Jerry Brown dies in auto accident, December 8, 2012
