TYLER (KYTX) - A famous Dallas Cowboy and former Lufkin football star is arrested for allegedly assaulting his mother.
Dez Bryant surrendered to police on Monday for allegedly pulling his mother's hair, hitting her in the face with a ball cap and ripping her clothes.
"Your mother is so special and she loves you dearly and that's ridiculous to do," said Michael Goodwin.
It's a sobering reminder for young athletes that the stars they admire can sometimes fall from grace.
"It kind of makes me not like him as much as a role model. Because role models are suppose to lead by example," said Joseph Goodwin.
Dez Bryant was a Lufkin High School football star and a first round draft pick for the Dallas Cowboys.
He was admired and respected from an early age.
"What do you teach somebody when you do that? You teach them you can get away with this because of your talent and ability. You can get away with things other people can't," said David Wheeler.
Licensed professional counselor David Wheeler says parents need to hold their young athletes accountable from an early age.
"So often times, by the time they get to be professional athletes they've never grown up," added Wheeler.
Their behavior can spiral out of control and not only affect their life, but those who look up to them.
"It's very important for a parent to be in tune to what their teenager is doing, looking at and seeing. They have to intervene and get involved and say this is not somebody you should be immolating," explained Wheeler.
It's a message these young athletes have taken to heart as they focus on their path to athletic success.
"Being off the field, your attitude doesn't change, you still need to be a leader and have good character," added Goodwin.
