Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent, who was been charged in the death of practice squad player Jerry Brown, would like to attend the memorial service Tuesday of his close friend, according to ESPN.
However, Brent is concerned about how his presence would be perceived by the family.
According to Brent’s lawyer, his client is “devastated” by the Saturday night one-car crash outside of Dallas that left Brown, 25, dead. Brent, who was driving his Mercedes at a high rate of speed and under the influence of alcohol, was released from an Irving, Texas, jail Sunday on $500,000 bond.
Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple said the team was planning a private memorial service for Tuesday in the Dallas area.
Brent and Brown were teammates at the University of Illinois, and attorney George Milner said Brown was living with Brent during the six weeks he spent as a member of the Cowboys’ practice squad.
“Jerry Brown was my very best friend, and I’m just trying to deal with his death right now,” Brent said Sunday.
According to a probable cause affidavit released Sunday by Irving police, officers said they detected “a moderate odor of alcohol” from Brent’s breath and that he “admitted to consuming alcohol at a club,” but wouldn’t identify which one. Police said Brent gave a blood sample Saturday at the hospital.
The Cowboys have been in communication with the league office to determine the roster status of Brent, a source told ESPN.
The Cowboys apparently want to retain the NFL rights to Brent, even though sources say he does not seem prepared to rejoin the team in a regular capacity any time soon.
In addition to serious legal issues, Brent also faces the possibility of eventual penalties from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
