Texas Football Player Nick Brooks Admits to Special Treatment at 21+ Club Before DWI Arrest”

Texas Longhorns football player Nick Brooks admitted to law enforcement that he was coming from a 21-and-up club on West 6th Street that “makes exceptions for UT football players” on the night of his arrest for allegedly driving while intoxicated, according to newly obtained arrest documents. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny on the treatment of high-profile college athletes and raised broader questions about accountability, privilege, and safety.

Brooks, an offensive lineman for the Longhorns, was arrested by Austin police after an officer observed erratic driving behavior that prompted a traffic stop in the early morning hours. During the encounter, Brooks reportedly told the responding officer that he had consumed alcohol and had also been “feeling” the effects of a marijuana vape pen. His candor during the traffic stop, while potentially intended to demonstrate honesty, could now complicate his legal situation and his status with the football program.

The documents detailing the arrest indicate that the officer initiated a stop after witnessing Brooks’ vehicle drifting within its lane and hesitating at a green light. Upon making contact with Brooks, the officer noted a strong odor of marijuana and alcohol emanating from the vehicle. Brooks allegedly displayed red, glassy eyes and had difficulty maintaining his balance during the field sobriety test, which he ultimately failed.

What has captured particular attention from the public and media is Brooks’ voluntary admission that he had gained entry into a 21-and-up nightclub on West 6th despite being under the legal drinking age. The arrest affidavit quotes Brooks as saying the club “makes exceptions for UT football players,” a statement that, while potentially off-the-cuff, has cast a spotlight on whether local establishments routinely bend rules for star athletes.

According to Texas law, individuals under 21 are not permitted to enter establishments classified as 21-and-over, let alone consume alcohol. If Brooks’ statement is accurate, it raises questions about whether the club in question and possibly others are knowingly enabling underage drinking by high-profile college athletes. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has not confirmed whether it is investigating the matter, but the agency has in the past taken such allegations seriously when brought to light.

At the time of his arrest, Brooks reportedly told officers that he had taken “a few puffs” from a marijuana vape pen earlier in the evening and acknowledged he was feeling its effects. The use of THC products remains illegal for recreational use in Texas, and possession or usage can carry serious legal consequences depending on the amount and context. Although it’s unclear whether Brooks was found in possession of the vape pen at the time of the arrest, his admission could still factor into potential charges.

Brooks, who joined the Longhorns in 2023 as part of a highly-touted recruiting class, has been seen as a player with significant upside. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing over 300 pounds, he has been projected as a potential future starter on the offensive line, particularly as Texas prepares for its inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). While he has not yet solidified a starting role, he has been praised internally by coaches for his physicality and development.

The University of Texas athletic department released a brief statement acknowledging the incident but did not provide additional details. “We are aware of the situation involving Nick Brooks and are in the process of gathering information. We take these matters seriously and will continue to monitor the legal process,” the statement read. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has not yet commented publicly on Brooks’ arrest, but a source close to the program indicated that internal discipline would likely follow regardless of legal outcomes.

In the world of major college football, where players are often elevated to celebrity-like status on campus and in their communities, the Brooks incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls that come with such visibility. Many UT football players are recognized throughout Austin, and it’s not uncommon for them to receive special treatment at clubs, restaurants, and other social venues. While most of this treatment is informal—such as waived cover charges or quicker entrance lines—the idea that local businesses may be bending or outright violating laws in favor of these athletes introduces legal and ethical concerns.

Critics have long argued that the celebrity status afforded to college athletes can foster a sense of invincibility, particularly when it comes to underage drinking and drug use. Although many programs, including Texas, emphasize education, personal accountability, and legal awareness, incidents like Brooks’ show that such efforts may not always prevent poor decision-making.

Former UT player and current ESPN analyst Emmanuel Acho weighed in on the situation via social media, writing, “Talented kids with big dreams, bright futures—and sometimes, poor judgment. Accountability is key, but so is guidance.” His comment sparked a broader discussion about the role of coaching staffs and athletic departments in mentoring players off the field.

The potential legal consequences for Brooks could include a misdemeanor DWI charge, which in Texas carries penalties such as license suspension, fines, community service, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time, particularly when other factors—such as the use of marijuana—are involved. If a toxicology report confirms THC in Brooks’ system, and it can be proven to have impaired his ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, prosecutors could pursue a more complex case.

A spokesperson for the Travis County District Attorney’s Office said the case was still under review and that no formal charges had yet been filed as of Friday. If charges are pursued, Brooks will have the opportunity to plead guilty, negotiate a plea deal, or contest the charges in court.

Beyond the legal implications, Brooks’ future with the Longhorns could hang in the balance. Coach Sarkisian has previously taken a firm stance on player discipline, suspending or dismissing players involved in off-field incidents. While the program has also demonstrated a willingness to give second chances to players who take responsibility and demonstrate growth, Brooks will likely have to meet strict expectations to regain full standing with the team.

The incident also comes at a pivotal moment for the Texas football program. With increased national attention ahead of the move to the SEC, every off-field controversy is amplified, especially one involving a high-profile player and potentially systemic issues within the local nightlife scene. University leadership has invested heavily in shaping the image of Texas athletics as a model of excellence, discipline, and integrity—a brand that stands to suffer with each high-profile misstep.

There’s also a broader cultural concern. College athletes, particularly those playing in programs as prominent as Texas, face immense pressure to perform, often while managing newfound independence and the temptations that come with it. In Brooks’ case, the combination of youth, status, and nightlife culture appears to have contributed to a lapse in judgment that now threatens to derail both his athletic and academic path.

University officials and athletic administrators are expected to meet in the coming days to discuss the incident, as well as possible preventative steps moving forward. Those may include increased education on substance abuse, more stringent curfews or behavior policies, and greater cooperation with local law enforcement and TABC to ensure that bars and clubs are adhering to the law when it comes to underage patrons.

As for Brooks, the road ahead will depend in large part on how he handles the situation. Legal representation will guide his defense, and any resolution in court will likely take weeks or months to finalize. In the meantime, he may face internal team suspensions, missed practices, or even removal from team activities entirely. How he responds—both publicly and privately—will shape not just his future with the Longhorns, but potentially his career beyond college football.

This incident should also serve as a wake-up call to the institutions and communities surrounding college athletes. From program officials to bar owners, from teammates to coaches, a culture that prioritizes privilege over responsibility risks enabling the very behavior it hopes to prevent. As Texas football continues its high-profile evolution, stories like Nick Brooks’ will test whether the Longhorns can truly balance ambition with accountability.