High profile DUI accidents and arrests within the sports industry continue to be a serious problem. This past Saturday, Josh Brent of the Dallas Cowboys was charged with intoxication manslaughter after speeding and crashing on an Irving, Texas state highway. His car flipped at least once, killing teammate Jerry Brown. This is a sad event, and the 2nd DUI for Brent. In 2009, Brent was sentenced to two years probation and 60 days in the Champaign, Illinois County jail. He was released after serving half that time and resumed his football career. There is no question that the legal repercussions from this horrible accident, aside from his own personal issues, will be severe since he will now be a two-time offender and manslaughter is involved.
In the state of Texas, manslaughter, or in this case, intoxication manslaughter, is the act of accidentally causing someone’s death with your car due to drunk driving and is a second-degree felony. Intoxication assault is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, a prison sentence of anywhere from 2-20 years, and 240 – 800 hours of community service. The judge can also order alcohol and drug education classes for rehabilitation purposes. These types of classes have become part of the protocol nationwide as jurisdictions realize that jail time is not enough for DUI offenders. It is necessary to educate these individuals with alcohol awareness education to help stop the behavior.
Sports players are under a lot of pressure to perform for their team, and to make a great deal of money. This stress often translates into nights of hard partying. Examples like this recent 100% preventable accident reinforce the need for players and everyone who is planning on drinking while away from home, to hire a designated driver, bring along a sober friend or call a taxi instead of getting behind the wheel! In fact, the NFLPA even operates a safe ride program that is advertised on the back of every union card.
A 24 Hour Level 3 Drug & Alcohol Awareness Class is one of educating Brent as to how and he can overcome this high-risk behavior. Unfortunately, he has already realized the worst possible scenario for the immediate repercussions of drinking and driving. Classes will teach him about the health risks involved to the brain, central nervous system and body, and how his alcoholic behavior affects other family members. For example, he may not realize how unreliable, unstable and unfocused he had become. High quality programs also teach ways to stop the behavior through improving communication skills, skills in stress management and confidence building techniques.
The most convenient and simple way to take an alcohol education class is to take it online. Look for a course that is has a BBB rating of A+, offers a 100% guarantee, and is designed by an expert in the field with the appropriate drug and alcohol credentials. Prior to taking the class, ask your court for approval to make sure they accept distance-learning classes. More and more legal systems across the country are accepting them because they understand how difficult it is to get a pre-scheduled traditional class held at a building site. Online classes enable clients to stay at home and privately focus on healing and their own behavioral change. They also offer flexibility as they are available 24/7, so the offender doesn’t need to miss any more work or school to attend.
Take an online alcohol and drug awareness today to fulfill your court mandate or for self-improvement purposes to avoid finding yourself in a tragic situation.
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