Former Patriots and Broncos running back Cedric Cobbs avoided jail time on drug charges, in part because of a suspected brain injury from his days playing football.
Cobbs was given probation and community service after pleading guilty to charges of using a telephone to facilitate the distribution conspiracy, in a prescription pain pill ring
And according to Linda Satter of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Cobbs avoiding jail came in part because his lawyer told the judge he is believed to be suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy from his days playing football. Cobbs’ lawyer said he’s been treated at a California clinic which specializes in sports-related brain injuries, and that reports from the center showed he was making progress.
Cobbs told the judge Thursday that his divorce and inability to provide for his family after his short NFL career led to depression.
“I became desperate. I became angry,” he said. “I felt that I was pretty much out here alone, . . . with no one showing me direction. I felt invisible.”
Cobbs said that led to prescription drugs, and eventually being charged as part of a ring of oxycodone distribution.
