By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
Jerry Brown, a practice squad member of the Dallas Cowboys, less than two weeks ago shared his very personal regret and hope in a single post on Facebook. He referred to a missed opportunity to share his life with a woman he loved because he planted the wrong “seed” and yet he was happy about the fact he would become a father soon. He finished his post on Nov. 30 with “hopes of becoming a better man.”
At 2:20 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 in Irving the lives of two families were permanently changed. As the result of a single tragic moment, Dallas Cowboy linebacker Josh Brent sits in jail facing intoxication manslaughter charges for the death of his friend and teammate. The other, 25-year-old Brown, was taken to the hospital following the one vehicle accident, and later pronounced dead.
The friendship of Brown and Brent goes back to the three years they spent together as teammates in college at the University of Illinois. Before being signed by the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 24, Brown was a member of the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones issued a statement earlier today:
“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.”
This is not Brent’s first time being in trouble for drinking and driving. AP is reporting he was arrested in 2009 while at college:
“Brent was arrested in February 2009 near the Illinois campus for driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license and speeding, according to Champaign County, Ill., court records.
In June 2009, Brent pleaded guilty to DUI and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, two years of probation, 200 hours of community service and a fine of about $2,000. As part of his plea deal, prosecutors dropped one count of aggravated DUI/no valid driver’s license. Brent successfully completed his probation in July 2011, court records show.”
In moments like this it is not about fame, status or money. As Brown alluded to in his Facebook post, that is fun for awhile, but it does not reflect what really matters in life. Unfortunately, Brown will not have the opportunity to reconcile with the love of his life or “b everything” for his expected daughter. Hopefully this unfortunate tragedy will cause someone to think before drinking and driving this weekend.
