NFL Player, Desmond Bryant, Sued by North Miami Beach Family

A North Miami Beach family is suing NFL player Desmond Bryant for damages after they say he hit, pounded and broke their door in a violent rage.

The lawsuit was filed at a Miami-Dade civil court Monday, about a month after Bryant was arrested. He faces a charge of criminal mischief for the incident, the arrest report says.

NFL Player Arrested on Gun Charge: Officials

Bryant, 27, a defensive lineman, who recently signed with the Cleveland Browns, pounded on the home of Isaac and Iris Bakar at around 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 24, the lawsuit said. Neither the homeowners nor neighbors knew Bryant, according to the lawsuit.

"Fearing his wife and children were in immediate danger, possibly from a home invasion robbery, or worse," said the lawsuit. "Isaac Bakar ran to the doors."

The family attorney, Robert Fiore, said the family suffered emotionally after Bryant's unexpected visit.

"They are claiming severe emotional distress damages," said Fiore. "They are under the care of a professional."

The football player was shirtless and repeatedly hit the front doors of the home, said the arrest report.

UM Football Posts Harlem Shake Video

Isaac Bakar called 911 and asked Bryant to go away and leave his family alone, but Bryant continued to pound on the door, the lawsuit said. Bryant then ripped off the front door handle, including the screws.

"The defendant neither responded nor made his intentions known," said the lawsuit. "But instead continued his relentless, violent assault on the plaintiffs causing Isaac, Iris and their three small children to be paralyzed with fear."

When Miami-Dade Police arrived at the home, they arrested Bryant for criminal mischief. According to the arrest report, Bryant had been at a South Beach club and took a cab in attempts to go to his Aventura home. The reports said Bryant was intoxicated and had red blood shot watery eyes.

According to Fiore, they have not received a response from Bryant's representatives.

After signing with the Cleveland Browns, Bryant briefly discussed the incident with the media in Cleveland.

Youth Football Official Accused of Stealing Nearly $50,000 in League Funds

“I obviously made a mistake,” Bryant told The Plain Dealer of Cleveland. “I apologize for everything that happened, but I feel like I've learned from it and moved on.”

He is being sued for damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest, cost and attorneys’ fees, said the lawsuit.