National Football League

Bryant, Witten get into it on sideline

Published Oct. 27, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

The fourth-year wide receiver let those emotions get the best of him on the Cowboys’ sideline Sunday, moments after Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford snuck into the end zone for the game-winning TD with just 12 seconds remaining in the game.

Bryant and tight end Jason Witten were seen on the sideline screaming at each other, but it’s unclear what sparked the altercation. Veteran linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who was inactive with a quad strain, stepped in and grabbed Bryant by the collar to talk some sense into him.

Bryant, 24, has been criticized in the past for his poor display of body language and his maturity on the field.

Earlier in the game, Bryant was seen screaming at wide receivers coach Derek Dooley and quarterback Tony Romo, also for uncertain reasons.

[UPDATE: NFL.com released audio of the Bryant-Romo incident, and it appears his rant to Romo was mostly positive]

After the game, Bryant and Witten moved quickly to defuse the situation. Witten said he had "no hard feelings" with Bryant and the two reportedly hugged in the locker room.

Bryant explained it as simply a display of "passion" and said "it's always positive."

''People who have a problem with me are the people that don't understand what is going on,'' he said.

Team owner Jerry Jones had "no issue" with Bryant's sideline activitiy and head coach Jason Garrett reportedly met with the wide receiver after the game.

Even Romo, who appeared to get a direct earful in the GIF above, downplayed the incident.

"He's never complained to me about getting the ball," Romo said.

It was a disheartening loss for the Cowboys as they had a six-point lead with a little less than a minute remaining. Bryant finished the game with three receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns and earned heaps of praise after making a spectacular one-handed catch.

(h/t ESPN, Associated Press)