Josh Brent, a Dallas Cowboys defensive linesman, was arrested early this morning on a charge of intoxication manslaughter after a one-car accident that killed teammate and passenger Jerry Brown.
Brown was a member of the team’s taxi squad and was also Josh Brent’s teammate at the University of Illinois.
TMZ provides this summary of what allegedly happened in the fatal car crash in Irving, Texas:
“According to police, Brent was driving at a high rate of speed when his car ‘hit the outside curb,’ flipped over and came to rest in the middle of the road. Brent was responsive at the scene, but Brown was not. Brown was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.”
Josh Brent allegedly failed a field sobriety test, and is being held without bail at the Irving city jail. Results of a blood test administered at a local hospital have yet to be released.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones issued the following statement according to ESPN :
“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.”
Cowboys VP Stephen Jones added that “It’s sad. Very sad. It’s tragic for everybody,” according to USA Today .
Josh Brent had taken over as the team’s starting nose tackle due to the injury of Jay Ratliff. Brent had been a member of the Cowboys since 2010.