A Broward judge set former NFL player Antonio Bryant’s bond at $15,000 Tuesday for domestic violence he allegedly committed against the mother of his child.
Bryant, 31, faces charges of domestic battery by strangulation, domestic violence, and culpable negligence, according to online BSO records.
Bryant allegedly pushed the victim and grabbed her neck as she held an infant, Broward Circuit Judge John Hurley said as he read from a report in court Tuesday.
Bryant also kicked her in the leg and hit her in the mouth with his fist, Hurley said.
“She had swelling inside of her mouth. It says a large piece of skin hanging from inside of her mouth. She claimed to be in severe pain,” he said.
Noting the level of violence and expressing concern for the victim, the judge set bond at a level in between what the defense (which sought an amount between $7,500 and $10,000) and the prosecution (which asked for $41,000) requested.
The alleged incident took place in April, and the victim obtained a restraining order afterward, attorneys told Hurley in court.
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Bryant’s attorney said it took place some four months before when the State Attorney’s Office filed the case and obtained a capias, or a warrant or order for Bryant’s arrest. The attorney said he had Bryant surrender immediately at 2 a.m. Tuesday.
His client and the alleged victim are embroiled in a paternity suit as Bryant seeks to get at least partial custody of their child, the defense attorney said.
Bryant, who grew up in South Florida, played eight seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver for Dallas, Cleveland, San Francisco and Tampa Bay between 2002 and 2009. He owns a restaurant and bar in North Miami Beach.
Hurley also ordered Bryant to have no contact with the victim.
