Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, who has made spectacular highlights on the field but negative headlines off of it, appeared at a Men Against Abuse rally in Dallas, Texas, on March 23.

Bryant was arrested in July 2012 and accused of hitting his mother, Angela Bryant. He and his mother have a relationship that has been well-documented in the media over the years. She was a teenager when she gave birth to Dez and was arrested for selling drugs when he was just 8 years old.

In July of 2012, it was reported that Dez got enraged and assaulted his mother when she asked him to leave her home. DeSoto, Texas police captain Ron Smith originally said Dez slapped her but later clarified by saying he grabbed her by the shirt and slapped her with his ball cap. Angela's T-shirt and bra were ripped, according to her 911 call.

After the incident she said, "I can't keep letting him do this. I can't keep letting him do me like this. I'm tired. I'm going to put an end to it today. I'm going to put an end to it today. I'm tired."

Angela never pressed any charges against her son. Her 911 call can be heard here.

Dez seems to be trying to put the incident behind him, since he told reporters after the rally, "Here's all you need to know. I'm done with domestic abuse."

Cowboys legends Emmitt Smith and Roger Staubach were in attendance, as was current cornerback Brandon Carr. Domestic abuse is a big issue for Carr, who was close with former Chiefs teammate Jovan Belcher after the latter shot his wife to death in December and then killed himself in front of Kansas City Chiefs coaches and front office executives.

"It was surprising. It shocked me but he came and supported. Dez got up and was able to give his spiel and his talk," Carr said after the rally. "It's a humbling experience to see your teammates come out and support you and they had the same issues going on in their lives. For Dez to get up here in front of all these people and admit his mistakes and to be with us in this rally and take stand against something he was a part of, that speaks volumes."