Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was arrested last week in connection with a domestic assault charge involving his mother, Angela. The Bryant family held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon during which an attorney read an official statement, according to the official Cowboys website.
Mr. Bryant and his mother, Angela are appearing here today because they feel it is important to address recent reports that Mr. Bryant committed family violence against his mother. Although Dez would like to speak to this matter, on the advice of counsel, he will not make any statements at this time.
Did a family disagreement occur? Yes. Did Dez Bryant commit family violence against his mother? No.
They are here together today to show they do love and support each other, just as much as they did before the incident a week ago. But like all families, the Bryants have disagreements.
Mr. Bryant and his family understand the serious nature of family violence. They believe when all the facts are reviewed, Mr. Bryant will be cleared of any allegations of family violence.
Angela Bryant does not want charges filed against her son. Ms. Bryant has had an opportunity to speak with other people who witnessed the incident and has filed an Affidavit of Non Prosecution with the DeSoto Police Department. She recognizes that under the law, filing of the affidavit may not impact the legal outcome of her complaint. She asks that her affidavit be taken into consideration in deciding whether it is in the best interest of her family for this to continue in the legal system or allow them to resolve the issue as a family.
Dez and his mother believe this is a family matter that can be worked out through counseling.
They ask there not be a rush to judgment concerning their family. They also ask for your continued prayers and support for their family as they work through this matter.
Angela Bryant has decided not to press charges against her son.
Meanwhile, Bryant's head coach while with the Oklahoma St. Cowboys, Mike Gundy, spoke to Jon Machota of the Dallas News on Tuesday about the situation.
"Dez, as we all know, is an unbelievable talent and is trying to make strides to do the right thing, and I'm not really informed on what happened just recently," Gundy said at Big 12 media days in Dallas. "I only know what I saw in the news. I've been out of town and haven't really paid much attention.
"But it saddens me to hear negative things come out about Dez, and hopefully he can get it together."
Bryant could still face misdemeanor charges and potential actions by the league and the Cowboys.
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