Sentencing begins Thursday for former Dallas Cowboys player Josh Brent who was convicted of intoxication manslaughter Wednesday for a fiery wreck that killed his teammate and close friend Jerry Brown.
Brent, 25, showed no reaction when he learned the verdict Wednesday. He was led from the courtroom in handcuffs in front of crying family members who were in the front row of the courtroom gallery.
Brent faces up to 20 years behind bars, though he is eligible for and has requested probation.
Brent's lawyer George Milner has previously said his client should receive probation, and Brown's mother, Stacey Jackson, has said in interviews that she has forgiven Brent. Jackson could testify on Brent's behalf at sentencing.
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Prosecutors have indicated they will push for jail time for Brent and have talked about the potential to send a message about intoxication manslaughter.
Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins has attended parts of Brent's trial and whispered in prosecutors' ears during the questioning of one witness. Watkins told a sports radio station last year that prosecutors had the responsibility to make sure Brent "loses his freedom."
Brent, a defensive tackle, had played in all 12 games of the 2012 NFL season before the crash. He retired in July.
Brown was signed to the Cowboys' practice squad in the 2012 season.
