Details on Tyreek Hill’s Police Detainment: What We Know and What Remains Unclear
Note from the editor: This article was updated following the release of body-camera footage regarding the detainment of Tyreek Hill by police.
Tyreek Hill, a key player for the Miami Dolphins, expressed confusion about why police officers made him exit his car and detained him in a chaotic incident that occurred just before the Dolphins’ opening game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
He raised the question, “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?” after the event.
“Honestly, I have no clue. It’s just bizarre. I really don’t understand it. It’s wild,” Hill stated when queried about the reason for his handcuffing.
“I was respectful; my mom taught me better than that. I didn’t swear or act out. I’m still just trying to comprehend what happened,” he added.
Hill was released shortly after and contributed to the Dolphins’ 20-17 victory.
Here’s a breakdown of what is known and what remains unknown about Tyreek Hill’s detainment:
What Occurred with Tyreek Hill?
Tyreek Hill, the star wide receiver for the Dolphins, was stopped by police shortly before Sunday’s game. He was handcuffed outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, around three hours prior to the Dolphins’ game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Body-camera footage released by the police showed Hill being forcefully pulled out of his vehicle.
Why was Tyreek Hill Pulled Over?
Hill mentioned after the game that he was stopped for speeding and reckless driving.
According to public records from the Miami-Dade Police, “Hill was not charged; he was given traffic citations.”
How Fast was Tyreek Hill Driving Before Being Detained?
It is not clear what speed Hill was traveling at.
What Car was Tyreek Hill Driving?
Tyreek Hill was reportedly driving a McLaren 720S sports car.
Did Police Know They Were Detaining NFL Player Tyreek Hill?
Hill stated that he did not mention his status as a Dolphins player to the police during the incident.
“I was taught not to name drop or show off. If I did something wrong, just give me a ticket. I’m just a regular person too,” Hill said. “If you believe there was an issue, issue a ticket, but treat me with respect.”
The body-camera footage captures Hill handing his license to the officers.
Who Are the Officers Involved in Tyreek Hill’s Detainment?
The names of the officers involved in Hill’s detainment have not been disclosed by the Miami-Dade police department.
Was the Officer Who Detained Tyreek Hill Disciplined?
One officer has been reassigned to administrative duties, as stated by Miami-Dade Police Department director Stephanie Daniels on Sunday afternoon, though the officer’s name has not been released.
Is There Body-Camera Footage from Tyreek Hill’s Detainment?
The exchange between Hill and the main responding officer began as a regular traffic stop, as indicated by the released body-camera footage. The officer, on a motorcycle, stopped Hill, knocked on his window, and informed him he was speeding. The situation escalated, resulting in Hill being pulled from his vehicle.
Did Police Use Excessive Force on Tyreek Hill?
A video that went viral showed an officer applying a knee to Hill’s back while trying to handcuff him, and another video depicted an officer dismounting his motorcycle and attempting to pull Hill down to the curb.
Calais Campbell, Hill’s teammate, expressed his belief that “excessive force” was used, prompting him to intervene.
“They were trying to force him down. I witnessed them kicking him, dragging him down, and applying the cuffs. It looked quite violent,” Campbell stated during an interview on ESPN’s “First Take” on Monday.
Why Was Calais Campbell Handcuffed by Police?
Calais Campbell, a recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, found himself handcuffed by Miami-Dade police while attempting to defuse the situation.
Reflecting on the situation, Campbell recounted that an officer informed him that his car was impeding traffic and would be towed unless he moved it. When Campbell insisted he wasn’t leaving, the officer responded, “That’s enough. You’re under arrest,” and placed him in handcuffs.
Were Other Dolphins Players Present at the Scene of Tyreek Hill’s Detainment?
Campbell noted hearing Hill plead with teammates, “don’t leave me, don’t leave me” as he was being detained.
In addition to Campbell, Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith and receiver Odell Beckham Jr., along with Hill’s agent Drew Rosenhaus and Dolphins security director Drew Brooks, were present at the scene.
How Did Tyreek Hill Perform After His Detainment?
After his release, Hill played for the Dolphins, catching seven passes for 130 yards,
including an impressive 80-yard touchdown reception in the Dolphins’ 20-17 victory.
Tyreek Hill’s Touchdown Celebration Following Detainment
After scoring, Hill celebrated by putting both hands behind his back, imitating being handcuffed. Teammate Jaylen Waddle then joined him by clasping Hill’s hands together, and together they proceeded to the sidelines to continue their celebration.
“That celebration was planned,” Hill explained. “We had something else in mind, but then this incident occurred this morning.”
Will Tyreek Hill File Charges Against Miami-Dade Police?
Drew Rosenhaus, representing Hill, stated to the Miami Herald that Hill’s legal team intends to “pursue this matter on Tyreek’s behalf.”
“Tyreek’s treatment by the police at the stadium today was completely inappropriate,” Rosenhaus told the Miami Herald. “He did not deserve to be handled in that manner.”
Tyreek Hill Expresses Desire to Collaborate with Miami-Dade Police After Detainment
Hill remarked, “I aspire to become a police officer one day. I have a state trooper hat and all that; I have a deep respect for law enforcement. There are always a few bad individuals in every profession.”
“I hope to utilize my platform to turn this around into a positive opportunity for both myself and Miami-Dade. My goal is to work together to create something beneficial for the community. It’s about ensuring the safety of individuals, and I want to collaborate with you all.”