Off the Field Accountability is Lacking in Professional Sports

The trial involving former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Josh Brent began this week in a Dallas, TX courtroom.  The 25-year-old is accused of intoxication manslaughter after leaving a Dallas-area nightclub Privae on Dec. 8, 2012 and crashing his vehicle, which resulted in the tragic death of teammate Jerry Brown, Jr.
According to USA Today, a toxicologist testified Wednesday that Brent had a blood alcohol level of .18, which is twice the legal limit of .08. Brent originally told police following the crash that he only consumed five alcoholic beverages prior to the fateful incident. As of today, testimonies are still being heard by the jury from waitstaff of the nightclub and former Cowboys teammates.
Furthermore, Brent was indicted for manslaughter in addition to the intoxication manslaughter charge. He can be convicted of the manslaughter charge if the jury finds he was not intoxicated and faces 20 years in prison but can also be sentenced to probation.
The ordeal with Brent is simply a chapter in the lengthy book of pro athletes not holding themselves accountable for their actions when they decide to have a night out on the town. They make way too much money in their respective sports to make poor decisions that can alter their own life and the lives of others as it is being displayed right now in a Dallas courtroom. There is no excuse why athletes who make upwards of $20 million a year are somehow too poor to rent a limousine or to have designated driver if they decide to get hammered in a bar. Athletes should be more aware of their actions because they are a direct representation of the teams that keeps them gainfully employed.