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Ex-NFL star Dez Bryant hires high-powered law firm after misdemeanor charge from parking lot incident: report
Former Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant has hired a law firm after receiving a citation for assault by contact, a Class C misdemeanor, following an October parking lot altercation in Southlake, Texas. Bryant says he knocked a phone from a man’s hand during an argument that began after he accused two men of reckless driving; the charge is an allegation, and the account does not report a court outcome.
Bryant said one man threatened to shoot him, though he acknowledged the man had no gun and was recording on his phone. Police said they responded at about 12:59 p.m. on 25 October to reports of a fight and a possible weapon, drew firearms as a precaution and temporarily detained several people; no firearms were found. Bryant was cited and released at the scene.
In short
- Dez Bryant hired a law firm after a misdemeanor citation.
- He says he knocked a phone from a man’s hand.
- Police found no firearms at the scene.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A person who believes they are facing reckless driving and a threat of violence may reasonably feel they need to protect themselves and end a confrontation, particularly if they fear a weapon could be involved. Bryant says he knocked the phone away after being threatened; if that account is accurate, supporters may see the contact as a limited response in a tense encounter rather than an attempt to cause harm.
The case against
Knocking a phone from someone’s hand is still physical contact and can escalate a dispute, even when the other person’s behaviour is provocative. The allegation merits fair consideration on its evidence, and a claimed threat does not by itself establish that physical force was necessary; the account reports no court finding.