Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant says a Southlake police officer drew a gun on him and his two daughters Sunday after a confrontation that began with two drivers cutting him off in traffic.
What happened
According to Bryant, the incident started when two vehicles approached a traffic light near Chiloso Mexican Bistro at 2251 E. Southlake Blvd. He says the drivers continued to drive recklessly and he warned them, using profanity. An argument ensued, and Bryant knocked a phone out of one man’s hand.
He claims the man then threatened to call police, prompting a response from law enforcement. Bryant says an officer arrived, pointed a firearm at him, and ordered everyone to the ground. Video provided to OutKick shows the officer aiming the gun while Bryant lies on the ground in handcuffs alongside the two other men.
Citation and legal context
Southlake Municipal Court issued Bryant an “Assault by Contact” citation, a Class C misdemeanor in Texas punishable by up to $500. The citation notes no arrest and requires Bryant to appear in court by Nov. 20. Texas law defines self‑defense based on whether a person reasonably believes force is immediately necessary to protect against unlawful force.
Bryant maintains he acted in self‑defense, warning the other driver that if the officer did not use his weapon, Bryant would have to respond. He says the other driver never actually drew a gun, only a phone, which Bryant then knocked away.
Police response and Bryant’s concerns
Bryant alleges the officers relied solely on the other driver’s phone recording and did not review surrounding surveillance footage that could clarify the events leading up to the confrontation. He asked officers to examine any traffic‑camera video and called for a fair, thorough investigation.
He also says an officer told him he needed to be “the bigger person,” a comment he found dismissive given the circumstances. Bryant emphasized his long‑standing positive relationships with Southlake officers, including one who works with his son’s Southlake Carroll football team, noting the incident was “extremely unfortunate” in light of those ties.
Community impact
Bryant said his reputation matters to the children in Southlake who look up to him, and he wants the case handled with respect and due diligence. “Treat everybody fair,” he urged, calling for law‑enforcement accountability.
OutKick has reached out to the City of Southlake for comment on the police department’s handling of the incident.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
