Texas offensive lineman Nick Brooks is only 18 years old. However, he was on his way to a local strip club in Austin when he was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated.
The charge was not alcohol related.
Brooks, a four-star prospect in the college football recruiting Class of 2025, joined the Longhorns for spring practice as a true freshman in January. His future with the program is currently up in the air after his recent arrest. Head coach Steve Sarkisian will not take action until it is necessary.
We’re aware of the situation with Nick Brooks, have talked with him and are gathering information. We will continue to monitor the legal process and address this situation within the team at the appropriate time.
— Steve Sarkisian, via the Statesman
The incident took place on late Saturday night. Brooks was booked into the county jail at 3:43 a.m. on Sunday morning. He was released on a personal recognizance bond later that afternoon after being charged with DWI.
According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the 6-foot-7, 345-pound offensive lineman was traveling at 47 mph in a 30 mph zone. Brooks told the arresting officer that he was coming from a strip club on West 6th street that “makes exceptions for UT football players” even if they are not of age. He admitted to ripping a cartridge and smoking a blunt before he got behind the wheel and was on his way to get two “prospective players” to bring them to the club.
The officer asked Brooks to participate in field sobriety tests at the scene after he told him that he was “feeling it.” His entire body shook while he tried to stand on one leg, which ultimately led to the arrest. A breath test did not detect alcohol.
This situation will more than likely result in a (very strong) slap on the wrist. Nick Brooks’ future is still in tact. This should not end his college football career. Texas may or may not issue a suspension.
However, it will be interesting to see what else the arrest might uncover. Brooks was driving underage recruits to the strip club. What club? How long has this gone on? Is a crackdown imminent? I would imagine so. I also wonder if it might lead to an investigation into the football program.
(A previous version of this story referenced the Travis County Sherrif’s Office instead of the arrest warrant affidavit. It has since been updated.)