Dez Bryant Receives Assault Citation Following Parking Lot Confrontation
Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant received a citation for assault by contact—a Class C misdemeanor—following an argument in the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant in Southlake, Texas. Bryant, 37, is now calling for a thorough investigation by the Southlake Police Department into the Sunday incident, which he claims started after two drivers cut him off in traffic.
Traffic Dispute Escalates to Police Response at Gunpoint
Bryant told Outkick that he followed the drivers into a restaurant parking lot to tell them to drive safer. An argument followed with one of the men, whom Bryant described as a young adult. According to Bryant, that driver insinuated that he would shoot him. Bryant recounted telling the man that if he pulled out a gun, he better use it because otherwise, Bryant would do something. The man never produced a weapon. Instead, he pulled out his cellphone to record Bryant, who then knocked the phone out of the man’s hand. The other man called the police, an outcome Bryant encouraged because he wanted authorities to investigate the alleged threat. Southlake Police spokesperson Capt. Blas Hernandez stated in a news release that officers approached with their weapons drawn because 911 calls indicated a possible weapon at the scene, serving as a precaution to ensure safety. “No firearms were recovered at the scene,” Hernandez said. Bryant’s girlfriend arrived later with his two daughters and recorded the incident, footage that Bryant subsequently provided to Outkick. “I was really more so concerned about my children, you know, looking at their dad, you know, being on the ground with a gun pointed at me,” Bryant told Outkick.
Disputed Evidence and Calls for Fair Investigation
Bryant criticized the police response as one-sided, stating that officers reviewed the civilian’s cell phone recording but failed to examine surveillance footage from the traffic incident. Online records show Bryant was issued a citation carrying a $367 fine, with an initial court hearing scheduled for Nov. 20.
Bryant said one officer told him he should be the bigger person during the encounter. Seeking to clear his name, Bryant emphasized the importance of his reputation.
“Treat everybody fair. Treat everybody fair. Treat everybody with respect,” Bryant said. “Do your due diligence on what’s actually going on.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Case
What specific citation did Dez Bryant receive?
Online records show Bryant received a citation for assault by contact, which is classified as a Class C misdemeanor. The citation carries a $367 fine.
When is Dez Bryant’s court date?
According to online court records, Bryant’s initial hearing is set for Nov. 20.
Were any weapons recovered by Southlake Police?
No. Southlake Police spokesperson Capt. Blas Hernandez confirmed that officers approached the scene with weapons drawn due to initial 911 reports of a possible weapon, but no firearms were ultimately recovered.