Tyreek Hill detained pre-game; officer placed on leave

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — In a surprising turn of events, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained by police outside the team’s stadium on Sunday morning, just before the Dolphins’ season opener.

nfl scores
credit:bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com

 

Hill was handcuffed and placed face down on the ground following a traffic stop for speeding and reckless driving. The incident, which was captured on video by fans and quickly spread on social media, led to an officer being placed on administrative leave.

According to Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie V. Daniels, an internal affairs investigation has been launched to review the circumstances of the detention. Daniels confirmed that the officer involved, whose name has not been released, is among at least three officers who were on the scene. The department is also reviewing available body camera footage to ensure transparency and accountability.

Hill, visibly baffled by the encounter, expressed his confusion over the situation. “I had no idea why they placed me in handcuffs,” Hill said. “I wasn’t disrespectful because my mom didn’t raise me that way. I didn’t curse or do anything inappropriate. I’m still trying to figure it out.”

Hill’s statement came after the game, when he learned that the officer involved had been placed on leave pending the investigation. “That should tell you everything you need to know,” Hill commented. His sentiments were echoed by Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who had also been briefly handcuffed after intervening to support his teammate. Campbell described the incident as “a bit extreme” and said it made sense to him given the situation.

Despite the off-field drama, Hill delivered an outstanding performance during the game. He caught seven passes for 130 yards, including an impressive 80-yard touchdown reception that played a key role in the Dolphins’ 20-17 comeback victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a moment of ironic celebration, Hill mimicked being handcuffed during his touchdown celebration, reflecting on the earlier incident.

Hill, who is Black, addressed the issue of race in the context of the detainment, though he was cautious not to make direct accusations. “I don’t want to bring race into it, but sometimes it gets kind of iffy when you do,” he said. Hill questioned what might have happened had he not been a high-profile NFL player. “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what could have happened,” he added. He recounted his uncle’s advice to stay calm in such situations: “Just listen, put your hands on the steering wheel, and just listen.”

The incident has raised concerns about the use of force and the treatment of individuals by law enforcement. Campbell, a 17-year NFL veteran, was driving into Hard Rock Stadium when he saw Hill being detained. He stopped to assist but ended up being handcuffed as well. Campbell said he felt the situation involved excessive force and described the officers’ response as unnecessarily aggressive. “I saw what I felt was excessive force, so I got out of the car to try to de-escalate the situation,” Campbell said.

The reaction to the incident extended beyond the field. Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, expressed his concern about the handling of the situation. “How things escalated into the situation that they were in, with police holding them on the ground, is mind-boggling to me,” Rosenhaus said. “I’m deeply concerned and very troubled by it. We will be looking into it and investigating further. The most important thing is that Tyreek is okay physically, though mentally he was very distraught.”

The NFL has been in touch with the Dolphins regarding the incident, but league spokesman Brian McCarthy declined to provide further details. The Dolphins organization has not issued an official statement beyond acknowledging the situation.

Hill, who led the NFL in receiving yards in 2023, communicated with his family after the detainment and before the game began. His performance on the field was a testament to his resilience and focus despite the earlier events.

The incident has sparked discussions about police conduct, the treatment of athletes, and the broader issues of race and authority. As the investigation continues, both Hill and Campbell are left reflecting on a day that began with high expectations and ended with unexpected controversy.

Spread the love

We may earn a commission if you click on the links within this article. Learn more.