The body cam footage of Tyreek Hill’s encounter with Miami-Dade police on Sunday is out, and it’s infuriating to the Miami Dolphins.
The images of cops pulling Hill out of his car by his head, taunting him while they had him pinned to the ground, and then taking him down again from behind after he told them he was concerned about his knee has prompted broad condemnation.
Statement From Miami Dolphins in Tyreek Hill Police Incident
No one is more angry than the Dolphins, who released the following statement late Monday:
“We are saddened by the overly aggressive and violent conduct directed towards Tyreek Hill, Calais Campbell, and Jonnu Smith by police officers before yesterday’s game. It is both maddening and heartbreaking to watch the very people we trust to protect our community use such unnecessary force and hostility towards these players, yet is also a reminder that not every situation like this ends in peace, as we are grateful this one did. ‘What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?’ is a question that will carry with resounding impact.
“We are proud to have a strong and positive relationship with the Miami-Dade Police Department and other law enforcement agencies and recognize that the vast majority of officers do serve the community with the utmost character and desire to protect all citizens. However, as is on full display in the videos released tonight, there are some officers who mistake their responsibility and commitment to serve with misguided power. While we commend MDPD for taking the right and necessary action to quickly release this footage, we also urge them to take equally swift and strong action against the officers who engaged in such despicable behavior.
“We will stand beside Tyreek and our players as they work to use their platform and this situation to make a positive impact in our community. We have always believed that the game of football holds a unique power to bring people together, and we remain hopeful that through the collective work of the players, organization, and our community partners, we can create lasting change.”
Slater Scoop has a portion of the Tyreek Hill body cam video
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) September 9, 2024
Campbell, a former Walter Payton Man of the Year winner, tried to come to his teammate’s aid Sunday, but was put in handcuffs by the same officers for getting too close to the scene.
Hill, whom police cited with careless driving and a seatbelt violation, is considering a lawsuit.
Appearing on CNN Monday night, Hill said he didn’t want to roll down his window completely — which is what triggered the officers — to protect his identity and avoid making a scene.
He later pivoted to his desire to use Sunday’s unfortunate events “to make a change.”
“Let’s do it together,” Hill said. “Miami PD. All officers across the world. Everyone has bad apples, but it’s my job to use my platform and my resources so I can align with all stations. That’s what I mean with make a change.”