Wide Receiver Antonio Bryant Arrested for Domestic Violence

Known for his excellence as a wide receiver on many NFL teams, Antonio Bryant’s moves on the football field may soon be eclipsed by his criminal record; Bryant surrendered to police this past Tuesday for an alleged incident of domestic violence that took place in April. Bryant posted $15,000 bond within hours of his arrest and has been order to stay away from baby momma Dianne Helne.

According to news reports from various media outlets, the arrest stems from Bryant’s actions during a fight with Helne on April 10th of this year. What was a verbal argument escalated into a physical encounter where Helne says she was grabbed around the neck, kicked, punched and hit in the face. A report made by officers who responded to the scene of the crime seems to collaborate her story, listing injuries inside her mouth as well as on her neck and arms.

Bryant is being charged with domestic battery by strangulation, domestic violence and culpable negligence. Domestic battery by strangulation is a felony charge in Florida, but domestic violence and culpable negligence can be classified as either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the severity of the actions the accused has taken. As any domestic violence attorney would be able to tell you, this means that if Bryant is convicted he faces severe punishment by the justice system.

Interestingly, Bryant and Helne are presently involved in a paternity lawsuit. Bryant wants partial custody of their child but must first establish he is in fact the bio-dad. Unfortunately for Bryant, a domestic violence conviction against the child’s mother will make it much harder to obtain custody or even visitation rights.