Just days after the crash that killed Cowboys player Jerry Brown, Jr., and got his teammate arrested for suspected drunk driving, the Cowboys have returned to the practice field.
Right now, Josh Brent is out on bond. Tuesday, he walked with Brown’s mother into a private memorial service in Oak Cliff. Brown’s mom and Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said they’re supporting Brent 100 percent as he faces charges for intoxication manslaughter.
Wednesday morning, Garrett talked with reporters before practice. The coach said Brent is still very much a part of the team. Right now, the football family is rallying around him as he faces charges. Yet, at the same time, trying to move forward in the grieving process by focusing on football.
Garrett spoke for about 20 minutes at the team’s Valley Ranch headquarters. The coach said he did not know if Brent would be attending Wednesday’s practice.
An NFL spokesperson said the league has no problem with Brent being at the team’s facilities while he’s out on bond.
Garrett said the past few days have been extremely difficult for the defensive tackle. Brent has 30 days to get a breathalyzer device installed in his car and has been given a temporary drivers’ license.
Brent’s attorney is dismissing witness claims that Brown was alive in Brent’s burning car. It rolled on state Highway 114 early Saturday morning.
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Several players had reportedly been out drinking right before the deadly wreck.
Garrett said supporting Brent does not mean he condones what Brent is accused of doing.
“Josh is a part of the family. We have unconditional love for him and make sure we support him any way we can. The players and the coaches make him feel that support every way we can. By having him be here, know that people are around to help him. He can call us, be around us, he can cry, he can laugh, be there to help him,” said Garrett.
Garrett said it’s too early after the crash for the league to talk about any disciplinary action against Brent. The coach said there is talk of moving Brent to a non-football injury list to clear a roster spot, but claims no official decision has been made.
The team also hasn’t decided whether players will wear any sort of memorial patch or symbol on their jerseys to honor Brown.
