Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill expressed on Wednesday that he regrets not handling his recent police encounter more appropriately. During the incident, which occurred outside Hard Rock Stadium, officers forcibly removed him from his vehicle, subdued him on the ground, and placed him in handcuffs.

After reviewing the body camera footage released on Monday, Hill stated that while he manages to keep his composure under pressure, he believes he “could’ve been better.” He mentioned discussions with family members who are in law enforcement and considered how he responded during the traffic stop when he failed to keep his window down as requested by the officers.

“I realize I could’ve handled that differently. I should have rolled down my window,” Hill noted in a press conference. ” I don’t want the limelight; I don’t want people recording me in that moment. But ultimately, I’m just human and must follow the rules like everyone else.”

“That said, it doesn’t justify their level of aggression against me. I really wish I could have approached it differently,” he added.

The 30-year-old Hill was detained for approximately 15 minutes after being stopped by a Miami-Dade Police officer for careless driving and not wearing a seatbelt. Estimates suggest he was driving 60 mph, 20 mph over the limit, during a congested traffic area prior to the Dolphins’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The officers involved in the incident have faced criticism since the footage’s release, with many deeming their use of force excessive given the situation. Miami-Dade Police have stated that one officer, Danny Torres, has been reassigned to administrative tasks while an internal investigation looks into his conduct.

Hill indicated that he was watching a movie on Monday when Drew Brooks, the Dolphins’ director of team security, informed him about the release of the body cam footage. When asked how he felt about the videos, Hill said he was “unfazed” and “numb to the whole situation.”

“This isn’t the first time something like this has happened, and I know I’m not the only one who goes through it,” Hill explained. “In my community, these incidents are common, but they often remain unheard because not everyone has the resources I do as Tyreek Hill.”

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel shared his initial feelings about the footage, stating it brought him more sadness than shock. He believes discussions about Hill’s behavior during the stop should not overshadow the actions of the officers involved.

“There are always ways to improve,” McDaniel acknowledged. “But the focus should be on the unnecessary actions that transpired.”

Hill also reflected on the traffic stop, which resulted in two citations and approximately $300 in fines, suggesting it occurred at a pivotal moment in his life, highlighting his personal growth. He stated that while he believes officer Torres should face serious consequences, he continues to support police efforts and hopes the situation can foster meaningful dialogues.

“There’s much to unpack and learn from this experience,” Hill commented. “Just like in football when we analyze tape to improve, we should approach this matter similarly. Many people are keen to judge and criticize, but there’s an opportunity for growth here for all involved.”

Contact Tom Schad  on social media @Tom_Schad.