Should Josh Brent Have Been On The Dallas Sideline?
The First Take panel debates whether the Cowboys should have let Josh Brent on the sideline during Sunday's game.
IRVING, Texas -- As people debate whether Josh Brent should have been on the Dallas Cowboys' sideline Sunday, his appearance was something of a surprise to team officials.
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The Cowboys sent the wrong message by allowing Josh Brent to be present on their sideline during a nationally televised game, writes Dan Graziano. Blog
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and coach Jason Garrett were unaware of Brent's attendance until the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was about to begin, a source said Monday.
A source said Brent came to the game at the urging of his teammates, who followed the wishes of Jerry Brown's mother, Stacey Jackson. Since Brent is on the non-football injury list, he can attend any team function.
When Brent became aware that his appearance was causing a debate, he left in the second half.
After the game, Jones publicly stated that the Cowboys supported Brent's presence on the sideline.
Coop and Nate
Coop and Nate discuss Josh Brent being on the Cowboys sideline and the full story on why he was there.
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"Our team and our players wanted him today on the sideline," Jones said following Dallas' 27-24 victory. "Jerry's mother asked us directly as a group. She said, 'Support him. Help him. He needs your help. Jerry wants that. I want that.' His teammates asked him to come and be down there with them, and that's where we are.
"I do know that certainly that there's the other side of the coin, but this is a case that the people that arguably he's the closest to really wanting him around for him."
At the memorial service for her son, Jackson told the players to care for Brent and keep him involved with the team as much as they can. The organization has expressed support for Brent since the accident, while making it known that it does not condoning drunken driving.
It is not clear whether Brent will continue to attend home games, but if he does, it could be in a more discreet way.