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Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent, facing an intoxication manslaughter charge for his role in the death of practice squad linebacker Jerry Brown in a car accident last December, has decided to retire from the NFL.
The Cowboys announced the news one day before the team was to leave for a training camp in California.

"This is the right decision for me, and something that I have given a lot of thought to. I am at a point where my main focus is all about getting the priorities in my life in order," Brent said.
"Those priorities are more important than football. Doing the right things in life are more important than football. I love the game very much. I love my teammates, but this is the right thing for me to do."
Brent's trial is scheduled for September 23. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, though he could get probation.
The retirement has no impact on the criminal case. But it could indicate to the judge that he is trying to get his life together.
Brent, 25, has tested positive for marijuana twice while on bond, prompting the judge to revoke his bail. He was released from jail earlier this month.
Peter Schaffer, Brent's agent, said Brent has been through a lot, considering that Brown was his best friend, and he is trying to put his life in the proper order.
"It's absolutely what's important," Schaffer said. "I don't think people realise how devastating this was for everybody involved. This is a tragedy on so many different levels. It's a lot of stuff going on with Josh mentally. He is dealing with grief and depression. It was a mature decision on his part to get his priorities about life in the proper order. You've got to give him credit."
The Cowboys have been supportive of Brent throughout the process because those were the wishes of Jerry Brown's mother. Owner Jerry Jones acknowledged that was one reason Brent was kept on the Cowboys' roster.
"I think it [Brent's retirement] speaks for itself," Jones said. "He basically wants to concentrate on where he should be concentrating on in his life. This allows him to do that.
"Josh really needs to get his life in order," coach Jason Garrett said. "Football is important to a lot of us. It's important to Josh. There are other things that are more important. That's what he needs to do right now."
The retirement also allows Brent to avoid being suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has that power per the league's personal conduct policy. The NFL had planned to rule on Brent's status this weekend and was likely to suspend him for a year. The NFL will not now take any action on his case, league spokesman Greg Aiello said.
Considering his September court date, Brent was not going to play in 2013 - even if he was acquitted. Depending on the case outcome, he could conceivably come out of retirement in a year or two with the Cowboys still retaining his rights.


John Brent retires from NFL facing criminal charges

Josh Brent

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Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle faces criminal trial for role in car crash that killed teammate


Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent, facing an intoxication manslaughter charge for his role in the death of practice squad linebacker Jerry Brown in a car accident last December, has decided to retire from the NFL.


John Brent retires from NFL facing criminal charges

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle faces criminal trial for role in car crash that killed teammate

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle faces criminal trial for role in car crash that killed teammate