Dec 2, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Josh Brent (92) on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys caused a stir when defensive tackle Josh Brent was seen on the team’s sideline during the national broadcast of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brent is currently facing jail time after being charged for intoxication manslaughter after he was behind the wheel during a drunk driving accident that took the life of his teammate and best friend Jerry Brown Jr.
Dallas was immediately criticized for the decision. During halftime of the broadcast, CBS analyst Boomer Esiason called Brent’s presence on the sideline “disgraceful.”
“Football players are an example and Josh Brent is the worst of those examples,” Esiason said.
Now, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is defending his decision.
Jones points out that Jerry Brown’s own mother has supported Brent through this tough situation and that the team had the blessing of Brown’s family. The organization did not want to turn their backs on Brent when he needs a support group the most.
“Our team and our players wanted him today on the sideline,” Jones said, per the Star-Telegram. “Jerry’s mother asked us directly as a group. She said, ‘Support him. Help him. He needs your help. Jerry wants that. I want that.’ His teammates asked him to come and be down there with them.”
It’s a tough situation, but I think it’s one the Cowboys are handling the right way.
Brent made a horrible decision to get behind the wheel of the car drunk and it resulted in a fatal accident that ended the life of his best friend and created a burden that he must carry with him for the rest of his life. Brent is going through so much right now and it is hard to imagine his mindset.
The last thing Brent needs is to feel alone.
If the family of Brown is standing behind Brent and supporting him, his second family with the Cowboys organization should do the same.