Miami-Dade police issue a statement clarifying the detainment of Tyreek Hill.
A day after Tyreek Hill’s detainment, the Miami-Dade police union released a statement explaining its actions. According to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, the Miami Dolphins’ star wide receiver received two citations for careless driving and a seatbelt violation just hours before Sunday’s season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hill was handcuffed and placed face down during the incident.
“To clarify, at no point was Mr. Hill actually under arrest,” the South Florida Police Benevolent Association stated on Monday, via Andy Slater of Fox Sports 640.
The statement explained, “He was briefly detained for officer safety after driving in a way that posed significant risk to himself and others. When stopped, Mr. Hill was initially uncooperative, leading officers, following protocol, to place him in handcuffs for their safety. As Mr. Hill continued to resist and refused to sit down, he was subsequently redirected to the ground.”
One of the officers involved in the detainment has since been placed on administrative leave, a move that, along with Hill’s remarks about the incident, has sparked public criticism. The police union is withholding final judgment until the investigation concludes but has voiced support for the Miami-Dade Police Department’s initial report.
Dolphins defensive lineman backs Hill
“We want to remind the public that it’s always best to comply with lawful police commands first and raise concerns afterward,” the union’s statement added. “We’ve worked hard to build trust with communities regarding what law enforcement should and can do and will continue to do so. While we await the outcome of the investigation, based on the information we have, we support the officers’ actions but look forward to continued open dialogue.”
Dolphins defensive end Calais Campbell, who reportedly witnessed the event, claims he was also handcuffed after attempting to defuse the situation. He believes “excessive force” was used on Hill, alleging that an officer kicked Hill and pushed his head.
Hill, an All-Pro receiver, didn’t provide many details but suggested that the outcome could have been worse for someone who wasn’t a celebrity. He expressed a desire to turn the incident into a learning opportunity for both himself and the Miami-Dade PD, aiming to help the community as a whole. His response was notably more reflective than his handcuff celebration after scoring an 80-yard touchdown in the Dolphins’ 20-17 win over the Jaguars.
Given Hill’s prior legal issues, some people may be reluctant to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Tyreek Hill’s past legal cases
Hill pleaded guilty to domestic assault charges in 2014 involving his then-girlfriend, who was eight weeks pregnant at the time. Later, the same woman accused him of abusing their three-year-old son, though Hill denied the allegations and was not charged. However, the NFL disciplined him for using threatening language towards her in a recorded conversation.
Last summer, Hill was arrested for slapping a marina worker on the back of the head, but the case was settled privately. His recent detainment is a separate matter, which will be investigated, with body-cam footage expected to clarify the situation.
Meanwhile, the NFL Players Association is monitoring the case and has been in contact with Hill and his representatives, according to ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques.