Drew Brees' Mother Dies, Saints QB Excused From Training Camp

On Saturday, the New Orleans Saints held their first scrimmage of training camp without starting quarterback Drew Brees, who was excused for what the club said was a "family matter."

While the Saints did not go into further detail about Brees' absence, the Austin American-Statesman reported that Mina Brees, Drew's mother, died at the age of 59. Marty Akins, Mina Brees' brother who is a former University of Texas quarterback, said he was told Friday morning that she died in Colorado, where she was visiting her son Reid. The Denver Post later confirmed her death with another family member. The cause of death is still under investigation.

Brees' mother was a prominent Austin attorney who was recently subpoenaed by the Texas attorney general's office. According to reports, her office had sent letters to numerous Houston and Austin restaurant owners demanding at least $20,000 to continue using their businesses' names. She reportedly had until Tuesday to hand over all letters sent to the business owners along with any other documents showing payments she may have received.

Drew had previously stated that his relationship with his mother had soured after she used his likeness in campaign ads. In 2006, she lost a close election for a seat on the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals

Update (8/10/09): Brees was back practicing with the Saints on Monday in Metairie, La. His father, Austin lawyer Eugene W. Brees II, told the Associated Press that the family would have no comment.