What to do with Josh Brent.

Jerry Brown. Rest in Peace.

The NFL and the Dallas Cowboys have mutually decided to not allow Josh Brent on the sideline for the duration of the season. This is in no way a suspension or a punishment for Brent and was simply done because of the circumstances surrounding Brent. As many of you probably know by now, Josh Brent is  responsible for the death of his long time best friend and teammate Jerry Brown who was tragically killed at the hands of Brent in a drunk driving related single car accident. This tragedy undoubtedly could have been prevented had Brent not gotten behind the wheel on that fateful night, but he did and a mother is now without a son as a result. To many people's surprise Brent has the full support of Jerry Brown's mother and was even seen sitting with the family at Brown's funeral. It is important to realize that the death of Jerry Brown ultimately was accidental and Brent is going through an unfathomable grieving process, knowing that he is responsible for the death of his teammate and friend. But should the NFL not allow Brent to be on the sideline during the intermediate period between his court hearing?

Brent this past Sunday

Many people are quick to say that if Jovan Belcher had not committed suicide after murdering Kassandra Perkins he would without a shadow of a doubt not be allowed to be on the sideline during a game. Obviously he would not be allowed on the sideline, he calculatedly murdered the mother of his child. In no way, shape, or form is the Belcher case similar or even comparable to the Brent case. Josh Brent's crime was a terrible accident, that in no way is being condoned or taken lightly, while Belcher's actions can only be classified as evil and deplorable. Josh Brent is not a villain. Josh Brent is not a bad human being either. Josh Brent made a mistake, albeit a fatal mistake and now has to live with it for the rest of his life.

I support the decision to not allow him to be on the sideline. First of all, Brent's presence is a distraction for the team. Every single member of the Cowboys must be focused on their team goal, which is to make the playoffs. The Cowboys are red hot right now, winners of 4 of their last 5 games and in a tie for first in the NFC East. Secondly, although Brown's mother has urged all the members of the team to keep supporting Brent as their teammate, it can be done without him being at the stadium. Let's just say that an employee at a legal practice were involved in the same situation as Brent. Does anyone seriously believe that the person driving the car that killed another person would be allowed to come back to work any time shortly after the event? No. Everyone on the Cowboys can and should reach out to Brent in this tough time and lend him a helping hand as he deals with his mistake. With all that said, Brent has no place on the sideline of an NFL football game at this time.