Friday, January 24, 2014

Ex Cowboy Avoids Prison Sentence

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ex-cowboy-brent-gets-180-days-jail-probation-174423449.html

31 comments:

  1. Well this is a mess. That is some pretty awesome stuff from Brown’s Mom. Brent had better do her chores for the rest of his life. I’m wondering if she could still sue him in civil. At first I had a little sympathy for this fellow. He seems like a normal crazy athlete trying to overindulge on the fruits of his labor. Apparently this guy is a second time offender. He definitely deserves some sort of lock down situation. Hopefully his license is taken away. If were comparing him to the moron that killed four innocent victims this sentence is totally unfair. Brent should just walk free. At least in Brent and Browns situation he and the victim were both at fault. They were both drunk and knew the risks they were taking by getting in the car. These guys could have walked/ran home or something. In that kid’s case he killed a sober family. The judge should have given the kid 20 years and a 10k fine. So all in all I don’t see this guy in the same light as that stupid kid. This guy does know what hard work feels like and doesn’t suffer from “affluenza”. In my arm chair court of justice I find the defendant guilty and the sentence to be as it is. Plus hard probation with habitat for humanity! (bang of the gavel) Court Dismissed!

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    1. Blog 10
      Sandra Odom Josh Brent

      We agree on the fact that both are responsible both men were intoxicated just as Brent drove drunk, Brown rode drunk. I would venture to say it was not Browns first time riding and probably driving drunk, which makes Brent no less responsible but maybe a little less liable. He the two hit innocent people and lived thru I think both passenger and driver should be held liable if both are legally intoxicated.
      Under the Texas penal code ec. 49.08. INTOXICATION MANSLAUGHTER. (a) A person commits an offense if the person:(1) operates a motor vehicle in a public place, operates an aircraft, a watercraft, or an amusement ride, or assembles a mobile amusement ride; and (2) is intoxicated and by reason of that intoxication causes the death of another by accident or mistake.
      Should the passenger’s sobriety be taken into account, what if Brown had survived and Brent perished would Brown have been charged with any crime. I see little correlation between the teenager who killed four innocent people and Brent’s situation. Brent was forgiven by the family, Brent will carry the death of his friend the rest of his life. I do believe both man and child can be salvaged. The young man will need much more intervention than court deemed necessary.

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  2. I think it was a mistake to sentence him to only 180 days and 10 years probation, it should have been at least two years behind bars. If he hadn't been a professional football player he would have had to serve way more. It's a shame that professional athletes and famous people get off the hook so easily. Why aren't the convicted given the sentence they deserve? I am tired of these NFL players killing people and getting a slap on the hand. If it were just on of us, we would do a lot of time. They are in trouble because of alcohol, drugs, clubs and everything handed to them on a silver platter. There should be no rewards for stupid behavior! They could have easily got a cab or called somebody sober to drive them home or wherever they were going.

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  3. From experience I know how Brown’s family feels losing him because I to have lost a loved one because of a drunk driver. Brent deserves to have more jail time than just 180 days especially since he is a second time offender. I personally do not have any respect for Brent just because he decided to get behind the wheel drunk. I will cut Brent some slack because in his situation he is not the only at fault, Brown is also at fault because they were both drunk and they knew the risks of getting into the car. As for that one kid who killed four innocent people, he should be given life in jail because who cares if he suffers from affluenza, he still knew what he was doing. Seems like drunk driving is an ok thing to do because it seems like more and more people are getting away with it and all they get is a slap in the hand and go on with their lives like if nothing ever happened. Brent and the kid’s sentence in reality: slap in the hand. My opinion on how they should be sentenced: Brent sentenced 3-5 years in prison and the kid for 50 years with the chance of parole after serving half of prison term.

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  4. If he was not a football player he wouldn't have gotten just 180 days, if he was just a regular person than he would of been put in jail for many years. It shouldn't matter if you are well known or not, they should treat them as regular people and give them actual punishment. He still drove drunk with a passenger, got in car crash, and because of him driving the passenger died. The evidence is all their and still they let him off easy. This government is something else that's for sure

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  5. I think it's obvious to everyone that justice was not served in the case for Josh Brent. Receiving only 6 months in jail with probation for getting behind the wheel of a car and murdering your friend because you were drunk is not justice. Especially when the average member of society gets a much stiffer penalty for even just half of what Josh Brent did. The fact that Brent plays for a team that everyone recognizes because of the blue star on his helmet makes this case even more unbearable to watch. I only hope he isn't allowed to play in the NFL again.

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  6. I think being sentenced to 180 days in jail and 10 years probation is a just punishment for what Brent did. If he had killed an innocent bystander by driving while intoxicated, then i would demand at least 20 years in jail. However, the fact that both Brent and Brown were intoxicated shows that they just demonstrated poor judgement and decision making that ultimately cost Brown his life. I'm sure both know the danger behind drunk driving as well as what happens to a person after having too much to drink. And rule number one when you're going to drink: hand over your keys. You might not be able to make good decisions while you're drunk but you can make good ones before. Brown had just as much fault in this whole thing than Brown did. Brown just got lucky enough to make it out alive, but because he did make it out alive is now held responsible for Browns death. This is a thought that I'm sure will haunt him for the rest of his life and affect his future greatly. More than enough punishment in my opinion considering the circumstances.

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  7. This is just sad. This proves the government is broken. If he wasn't a celebrity he would have been sentenced for many years in prison, not just a measely slap on the wrist and 2 months in jail....

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  8. I really just don't understand why celeberties get off so easy. It isn't like they are doing something for our country that can't go a day missing. The whole judicial branch is failing this country by letting crazy celeberties do whatever they want, with no punishment to them but punishiment to the people that come in contact with them. He killed someone and he needs to be punished the same as the poorest person in this world.

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  9. Joyce Shelby January 29, 2014

    I also think that 180 days in jail and 10 years probation is what Brent need, because he have already lost a long time friend. He needs to stop drinking and be a father to his friend children, the father that they lost be there for them. This is the time for him to sit and think about what had just happens to him and how God had gave him away out and a second change to do the right thing. Stop the drinking because this is the second offender, take that money that he spent on them drink and put it to good use lever the drinking along 3 time you are out so if he think he got off this time and it happens again he is down for life.

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  10. This situation is crazy! Browns mom wasn't even mad at Brent. Just because Brent was a famous athlete has no right for him to just walk away with 180 days in jail. No human should be able to get drunk get in the car and drive then on top of that kill someone. TAKE SOMEONES LIFE AWAY! Brent should of been more of an adult and realize he had been drinking and that he should of not been driving. I will never understand that a man can kill a man and walk away with days in jail. That's saying I can go drink get into a car and drive, then kill someone and get just days in jails. Not 20 years but DAYS! I will never understand the justice in this case.

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  11. This article shows just how sad are criminal justice system is. Just because he played football for the Dallas Cowboys doesn't make him any better than every other person in the NFL. If this was just a regular person they would have got the maximum number of years they could give somebody without probation. But since he played for one of the most famous team in the NFL we just give him a slap on the wrist and say we give you 180 days in jail and probation don't do it again. With the way Brent's case ended it just tells everybody that if you play in a professional sport you can do what ever you want and you could get away with it.

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  12. I don’t entirely agree with the sentence that Brent received. I think he should at lest have gotten a few years in prison so he could reflect on what he did and what other real consequences drinking and driving come with other than killing his best friend. I was really surprised the jury made the decision to give him only 180 days and 10 years in probation. I do think the decision the jury made was influenced by Brown’s mom forgiving Brent for killing his son and telling them she didn’t want to see him behind bars she only wanted him to receive probation. I was also surprised to read that Brown’s mom forgave him it takes a lot to forgive the person who was responsible for killing your son, not many people would be capable of doing what Brown’s mom did. Over all I hope Brent learns his lesson and doesn’t make the same mistake twice and I hope people who followed this story learn from Brent’s mistake and stop drinking and driving.

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  13. If Josh Brent had not been a famous NFL player, his sentence would have been more severe. Although he did receive the maximum amount of time a person can be placed on probation, 180 days to be served in jail for manslaughter is unjust to those who are convicted of smaller crimes and serve longer sentences in jail or prison. The selected jurors might have been swayed by Brown’s mother since she stated in her court testimony that she did not hold grudges and added that we all make mistakes.
    I can definitely see why groups like M.AD.D could be very upset with Brent’s brief sentencing for intoxication manslaughter. 180 days in jails sends an “OK” to drivers who already drive while intoxicated .

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  14. After hearing the Josh Brent verdict, I wasn’t surprised, but disturbed with its outcome. He only received 180 days jail time, and 10 years’ probation. It is orthodox for our society to watch the rich and famous being trialed by a different set of rules, a set of rules that favor leniency. After consolidating all the factors of this case, Brent had too many negative factors stacked against him. His blood alcohol content was 0.18; the legal limit is at 0.08. He not only passed the legal limit by double percent, but has a prior history of drinking and driving. Brent should of learned his lesson after his first DUI conviction three years prior. If this case fell in the laps of an average Joe in society, he most likely would have gotten the maximum sentence. The second contributing factor of Brent’s outcome is Stacey Jackson. She is the mother of Jerry Brown. If she didn’t plead for sympathy on Bent’s behalf, he possibly could have gotten the maximum sentence. I hope Brent realizes he got a second chance at life and utilizes this life learned lesson in a positive way.

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  15. Given the charge of intoxication manslaughter, that being a second degree felony, Brent should have received a harsher sentence of at least two years imprisonment. Given his sentencing of 180 days in jail, 10 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine; the jury was quite lenient on the football player, which probably had a lot to do with the facts of the case. For one, the mother of his friend whom Brent killed testified in court that she had forgiven Brent. You also have to take into consideration that this was one of his best friends that he accidentally killed, and he will have to live with that for the rest of his life. Also, prison doesn’t necessarily give a person the rehabilitation and support they need. Brent’s life could be better lived out not behind bars, and given his status as a professional football player; he could help make a difference with keeping people from drinking and driving. I’m really unsure of whether I agree with the sentencing mainly on what influenced the jury; whether it was his Dallas Cowboys status or actual sympathy for a man who remorsefully killed his friend in an accident. I just hope a stipulation was that he stay sober.

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  16. Really? As a normal person I feel like this is raisist the fact that he only got sentenced intoxication and manslaughter in a second degree felony. Brent was treated as a superstar and not just someone who killed someone by driving intoxicated. The sentence that was given is ridiculous. If one of us had a similar situation, we would of gone to jail for the rest of lives, and not counting probation or parole. A mother should never forgive a person that killed her own son. Or maybe thats just my point of view. Being a cowboys football player is so disappointing how can we look up to people like this. They should be our role models not someone who kills his best friend for a terrible mistake he made, a poor decision that will change his life but he has a major advantage his still alive and his friend isn't. Im so disappointed in this outcome but I hope he learned a good lesson and maybe do a positive impact in other people.

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  17. This is definitely a mess for a criminal who attempted to skip prison who was punished for manslaughter. I think that the punishment that they gave him 180 days in jail and 10 years of probation should be extended to a longer period of time behind the bars because this criminal must learn from his mistakes and really think about what he had done. Because so many people get behind bars for drinking and driving, it had become a "normal" crime to the society. When this happens, the penalties should be more serious and aware that this is happening so often that it just looks like a problem of "Oh this happened; it's no big deal." The criminal justice system looks like it's not taking this kind of crime very seriously. I think that the more often people drink, drive, and go to jail, the penalty should be more time behind the bars in jail because that way, people will know how serious this is and they will try to become more aware and prevent it from happening so often.

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  18. To me I do not think it had anything to do with the race and or the fact that he was a NFL athlete. Being a college athlete and seeing everything that goes on drinking and driving happens a lot. Is that good? No not at all but the people getting in the vehicle knowing that the driver has been drinking it wasn't a fault just of the driver. In my opinion, I think that the punishment of 180 days in jail, probation, and the large fine is most defiantly suitable for this situation. However; if he didn't receive the amount of probation that he did I would have to agree with some of the people that are disappointed in the sentence he was given. Probation at his age is something that is not going to be easy and in my opinion will most defiantly teach him a lesson, and that goes for the large fine he is going to pay. I do agree in saying this is a mess and it says a lot about the mom to forgive so easily but she is right in forgiving the man that was driving the vehicle that her son had died in. For me, and the type of person that I am I dont think that I would be able to forgive like she did as soon as she did. Then again im sure she has enough hurt in her heart to sit and have hate for him. Hopefully this situation is a learning experience for other people, not just athletes but college kids, and even the grown people in society. As for Brent loosing his friend as well as the consequences given by the courts he will live with the hurt of what he has done, as well as learn from his mistake of getting in the driving seat after a night of partying. Being a part of the squad for the Dallas cowboys he is supposed to be someone looked up to, therefor after this incident I am sure he lost the support he once had before and to me being an athlete im sure that was also a large consequence and probably the reason he didn't want to continue playing.

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  19. First, of all.. I think that his sentencing is absolutely appalling and quite frankly disturbing. With that being said, I understand that people make mistakes and as a Christian, I am all for forgiveness and redemption. However, all people deserve to punished for their crimes. I feel that because he was a Cowboys player he got special treatment and got let off easier than he really should have. Him being an athlete, college graduate... he knows right from wrong.. he's been subjected to wrong situations and right situations at some point. He knew the second he got in that car he was putting himself and his teammate, friend, in a dangerous situation. Even though he was drunk, he knew it was wrong. From the time your are able to drive you are told " DONT DRINK AND DRIVE!" I'm glad to see that the victims mother has forgiven him and I hope that he has learned his lesson. But mostly I hope that this sentencing doesn't give people the false idea that drinking and driving is okay, and that they won't get punished for it.

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  20. The Dallas Cowboys are known as America's team. Although I feel like the punishment given to him is wrong and he deserves a bigger punishment, I feel it represents the court system of America very well. The principle of individual justice in America has been taken too far. Drunk driving is a common offense in America that everyone knows about. Whether it is someone's first offense or fifth offense, everyone knows that you don't drink and drive. 6 months in jail does not compare to the life taken the teammates life taken but not too long ago, another NFL player was sentenced to 2 years in prison over dog fighting. I believe that animal cruelty is terrible and anyone who participates should be punished but, there is no way that a person who participate in dog fighting should be given a steeper sentence and looked down upon more in the media than someone who takes another man's life. I feel that individual justice has been blown out of proportion and although Jerry Brown was aware of what could have happened, the life of a man and the life of a dog are not on the same level. Therefore I feel this is not an NFL issue but a political issue because the Dallas Cowboys are America's team.

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  21. It is obvious that Brent was not punished for what he did. Personally I think the 180 days in jail and 10 years of probation for intoxication manslaughter was not the proper punishment for Brent. Yes, he is a famous football player, but that should have nothing to do with the fact that he killed a person. Brent committed a true crime, he committed the physical act and when he got in the car intoxicated. He was also aware that he was not only putting his life in danger but he was also putting many other lives in danger, but he consciously disregarded that thought. I think that Brent should have been sentenced to a least 10 years in jail. Hopefully, Brent a least learned his lesson and is blessed that he received that minor punishment.

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  22. I had mixed feelings about this topic for a couple of reasons. I feel that the bartenders, josh brent and jerry brown himself all played a major role in his death. First and foremost although it is not in a bartender’s job description to “babysit” adults, they do have an ethical duty to make sure they are not the contribution to getting someone outrageously drunk. Secondly josh brent has a responsibility to make rational decisions for the sake of his own and jerry browns safety since he was the driver for the night. Before they began drinking brown should have thought about monitoring his teammate/friends drinking since he obviously knew that he was the driver for the night. As far as the sentencing goes I defiantly believe they went a little easy on him compared to other cases based on the fact he was a dallas cowboy. However as I mentioned before, jerry brown as a responsible ADULT had just as much of a duty as brent did, but if he were to collide with someone else it would have been different. Driving intoxicated is wrong period and there is no justification in it but if you’re in a duo or group everyone in that group has responsibilities as adults to make rational decisions throughout the night.

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  23. After reading this article, i realized that Josh Brent is not the only one who has been "let off easy" because he is famous. Plenty of famous people always get the easy way out simply because of a title they have. Not only does Brent have to suffer the consequences with 10 years probation and 180 days in jail, but for the rest of his life he will have this burden weighing on him. Should he have been drinking and driving? No. Was it his fault? Yes. Before he even took a drink he should have made sure he could get home safely, whether that be sobering up or just having someone else drive for him. Now, because of Brent's not very well thought out decision he killed his teammate and if they were close, brother.

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  24. This is a tragedy that sadly happens most often today. As an adult, who is supposed to make responsible decisions about drinking and driving take the chance at getting behind the wheel with passengers. Knowing that chance could be the last one, he had over 15 drinks that night, there was at some point in time that he knew when he had enough and choose the irresponsible route. He has to live with another mans death, caused by him, on his conscience for the rest of his life. Same for the kid who killed 4. Maybe they dont need prison, maybe being reminded of the lives they took is enough punishment imprisoned in their minds.

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  25. This is huge tragedy and a really big deal! I trully believe that this 180 day in jail sentence and 10 years of probation is extremely unfair for having two people killed. Josh Brent was the person who was under the influence of alcohol and under the control of the wheel of his car. Our Justice system cant have favorites just because they are sports figures or celebrities. They are humans like everyone else and the fame shouldnt exempt anyone from facing their consequences, or doing their long time in prison just like everyone else that has committed the same crime. How could of Josh Brent decided to to drive his car after having 17 drinks? This was a totally unresponsible thing to do, and now there are two people dead because of this. I really dont understand why judge Robert Burns gave him this weak short sentence for the tragedy the he caused.

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  26. I feel like this is a lot too late. In other words when the favelas started making an appearance they should have put a lid on it then instead of waiting until it was out of control to try to neutralize them. I also feel that the 2014 Cup would not be an issue if the favelas had not spun out of control and seeped into every crook and cranny with the intent of control. When they first appeared and started putting their mark on things that should have been the point in which the gov’t started trying to run them out and take back the land into gov’t control. Now you have the established favelas in an environment that they control and an upcoming event that could prove to be disastrous if things remain the same as they are now. Now the gov’t is working on a time restraint and getting a very sloppy start to it. This retake from the favelas is going to take a lot longer than anticipated by the gov’t. So now they have to try to get some kind of control over an uncontrolled situation in a very short time which is not exactly favorable for the police.

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  27. This does not set a good example. I know many individuals who have drank more than they should have and driven. I myself have been guilty of such a thing. I would hope for mercy and leniency on myself, but would I or should I receive it? I believe someone who is involved in professional sports should be held just as accountable, if not more since they are in the spotlight. In relation to the favelas, yes too little too late. People need to be educated on the issue and must it be addressed consistently as the other acts that harm individuals accidently or premeditated. With the hearing of the teenager who killed 4 individuals from his drinking and driving, the parents are responsible and so are we as a society, but so is the individual who drank and drove. To blame the parenting is only to blame one part of problem. If we want to see a change in the problem of drinking and driving, perhaps the laws should become less lenient and focus on more strict and consistent penalties. We should not subject the law to an individual but subject the individual to the law in place. Many people will argue an individual such as Josh Brent should be punished to the fullest extent. Maybe so, but individuals who are not in the spotlight of sports should then also be punished to the same extent. Not excluding favoritism or leniency on an individual because of their career is unjust to society. Anyone, in any level of stratus should face the same music no matter your contributions to humanity.

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  28. Well this article had me feeling some type of way..........I think that because Brent has had problems in the past with driving while intoxicated , his penalty should have been tougher. The fact that he can still and will get behind the wheel of a car and drive makes me sick to my stomach. Yeah everybody had a part in this tragic death of a human life (his close friend), I'm sorry I don't think that I would had allow my friend to drive in that condition. To hell with everyone pulling the race card........driving while drunk is not cool no matter what your race is. As for the teenager in Tarrant County, shame on the judicial system!!! He should have been punished as well. Come on people this is a serious matter, drinking and driving DO NOT MIX!!!!!!

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  29. We see this happening way too often, yet we are always shocked when it happens again. If he hadn't been in the public eye, he would have had a way tougher sentence. The fact that he was an NFL player made him a better person all of a sudden. It's crazy what they let people get away with. I don't think it's fair that the status you're in can save you from being sentenced to a punishment that is just. It's disappointing to see this happening over and over again but I'm sure it won't be the last time that cases like this one come up.

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  30. I believe that he will carry his actions to the grave. One of the only reasons why he didn't get a different sentence is because the victims mom forgave him. He is going to be burdened with this the rest of his life. I think that the amount of time he got for what he did is not acceptable because he still took another mans life. People need to think about their choices before they commit a crime. Specially after drinking 17 drinks, he should have known to call a taxi. I believe that because they were teammates, anything football related that he does will remind him of what he did.

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