Kent-Perkins

Kent Perkins in 2014

Updated, Sat. Sept. 24: According to a police affidavit, LHHS and UT Austin football player Kent Perkins was questioned by police after he fell asleep in a fast food drive thru line. The officer woke Perkins, spoke with him, and allowed him to drive away. Seconds later, the same officer reports hearing a loud crash; Perkins crashed his Dodge Charger before exiting the parking lot. The affidavit states that Perkins was “unconscious” followed by “polite, cooperative, crying” and that he smelled strongly of alcohol. Austin TV station KVUE reports the breathalyzer read 0.178. A driver testing .15 percent or more over 0.08 percent faces more severe penalties for enhanced blood alcohol level, according to Texas Law. 

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Texas Head Coach Charlie Strong, in a press statement says, “we are aware of the situation involving Kent Perkins and gathering facts at this time … We’re disappointed in his actions and take a strong stance against drinking and driving … When you get behind the wheel after drinking, you not only risk your life, but the lives of others, and that’s something you just can’t do. We will make sure that Kent learns from this and handle any punishment once we have more information.”

Friday, Sept. 23: The Advocate has repeatedly reported news about Lake Highlands High School football alum and University of Texas Longhorn offensive lineman Kent Perkins, and it has always been glowing — the last time as Coach Charlie Strong lauded him as a role model, leader and team spokesman.

This time, however, the news is not good: the Austin American Statesman reports 21-year-old Perkins, “a key member of the Longhorns’ offensive line,” was arrested on Friday morning and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Travis County Jail booked Perkins at 4:54 a.m., according to jail records.

“Austin police Lt. Brian Gretzner said officers pulled Perkins over near 18th and San Antonio streets, just southwest of the UT campus, at 2:52 a.m. and took him into custody without incident,” notes the Statesman.

We will let you know more about this breaking news story as we learn it.