NFL fans are reminding everyone that Colin Kaepernick “was right” following the incident between Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill and the police.
After Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s encounter with police on Sunday, NFL fans took to social media to highlight that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick had been raising awareness about police brutality in the U.S.
Hill was briefly detained Sunday morning while en route to Hard Rock Stadium for the Dolphins’ Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an alleged traffic violation. He was released in time to play, and during the game, he mocked the police by making a handcuff gesture after scoring a touchdown.
The incident is now under investigation after a video surfaced online that appears to show an officer striking Hill while he was in custody.
The police union has since issued a statement regarding the matter.
According to a statement from the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, shared by Andy Slater of Fox Sports 640, the police union stands by the officers’ actions in detaining Tyreek Hill. The union stated that Hill was “uncooperative” during the incident:
“Before the Dolphins game, Tyreek Hill was briefly handcuffed and then released. To clarify, he was never under arrest at any point.
He was detained for officer safety after driving in a way that endangered himself and others. Upon being stopped, Mr. Hill was initially uncooperative, so officers, following protocol for their safety, placed him in handcuffs.
Even then, Mr. Hill refused to sit on the ground, leading officers to redirect him to the ground. After a few minutes, the situation was resolved, Hill was given two traffic citations, and he was free to go.”
NFL fans are reminding everyone that Colin Kaepernick was right.
Colin Kaepernick was blackballed from the NFL after kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality, particularly against people of color. Many fans believe the police’s actions toward Tyreek Hill fall under the same issue. Here are some top social media reactions where fans reminded the world that Kaepernick was right about police brutality:
“Guess being the best NFL WR or having a $120M contract like Tyreek Hill doesn’t insulate police from dehumanizing you & treating you like trash cuz they can. When Colin Kaepernick tried to tell you, stupid ppl on here were like ‘but you’re a millionaire.’” — @ChuckModi1
“Colin Kaepernick seeing White people say that the officer who arrested & assaulted Tyreek Hill should be fired & held accountable for his actions.” — @gravedanger_2
“Kaepernick kneeled against police brutality. Years later Tyreek Hill gets kneeled on by police. It’s almost like Kaep was right or something.” — @m1dn1t31d10
“Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins was detained by police before today’s game for no discernable reason. And you MAGA types wonder why Colin Kaepernick kneeled?” — @fiveplustools
“The situation Tyreek Hill faced is exactly what Colin Kaepernick was roasted for. He took a knee for abuse against Black children, women, and men, and got fired.” — @toomuchtan
“If only the NFL had listened to Colin Kaepernick years ago! If only they hadn’t been afraid of losing their ‘white fan base.’ Maybe now Tyreek Hill can champion the changes that need to happen.” — @pameladower1234
“#TyreekHill Colin Kaepernick was right.” — @KimWrites4U
“When Kaepernick was standing up to police brutality, many of those outspoken today were pledging allegiance. They don’t want to fight if it means leaving ‘massa’s kitchen.’” — @Big6domino