Former Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant is facing criticism after video surfaced showing him slapping a young man’s cellphone out of his hand and throwing it to the ground during a heated confrontation in Texas.
The footage, obtained by the California Post, offers a closer look at the incident that ended with Bryant receiving a misdemeanor assault citation. What began as a reported traffic dispute quickly escalated into a shouting match in a Southlake parking lot, with the former NFL receiver seen getting into an increasingly tense exchange with two teenage men.
Former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant in an altercation with teens - Via Twitter/X
Former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant in an altercation with teens – Via Twitter/X
Dez Bryant Loses It Turning Confrontations With Teens
In the video, Bryant appears angry as he argues with Noah Reyes and his friend, Terrance Avery. At one point, Bryant slaps the phone out of Reyes’ hand after the young man begins recording him. Bryant then picks up the phone and throws it forcefully onto the pavement, despite Avery asking him not to break it.
The footage shows the confrontation continuing, with Bryant yelling at the men and making threats during the argument.
The incident reportedly began Sunday afternoon after a traffic dispute near Kimball Avenue. Bryant told police that another driver had cut him off. He later claimed the men threatened him and that he believed one of them was suggesting he had a gun.
Bryant has maintained that he was defending himself. He acknowledged knocking the phone out of Reyes’ hand, telling OutKick that he wanted the recording to stop after he believed he had been threatened.
However, the newly surfaced footage has brought additional attention to Bryant’s conduct during the confrontation. Reyes has also alleged that Bryant struck his hand during the incident and damaged his phone. Reyes has said he intends to pursue legal action. Here is the video:
Footage of former NFL star Dez Bryant slapping a teen’s phone surfaces amid a heated argument that eventually led to his arrest at gunpoint in front of his daughters 😳 https://t.co/Osk3Bjldj5
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) October 27, 2026
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Dez Bryant Creates Heat with His Shocking Take (Image source: Imagn)
Southlake police confirmed that officers responded to reports of an altercation involving several people and a possible weapon. Officers drew their firearms as a precaution when they arrived, but police said no firearms were recovered.
Bryant was issued a citation for assault by contact, a Class C misdemeanor, and released at the scene. He is scheduled to appear in Southlake Municipal Court by November 20.
The former Cowboys wide receiver has also criticized the police response, saying he was concerned about having a firearm pointed at him in front of his daughters. He has called for a full investigation into what happened.
Bryant was one of the NFL’s most recognizable wide receivers during his time in Dallas, earning three Pro Bowl selections and becoming a fan favorite with the Cowboys. But this incident has put the former star in the spotlight for a very different reason.
The video has added another layer to a dispute that both sides describe very differently. While Bryant says he acted in self-defense, the footage of him knocking the phone away and throwing it to the ground has raised questions about how the confrontation escalated.
For now, Bryant has been cited but not convicted, and the allegations will be addressed through the legal process. The incident is expected to receive further attention as the case moves forward.