Miami-Dade police’s internal inquiry into why their officers handcuffed Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill outside of Hard Rock Stadium Sunday continues. But the local police union has seen enough evidence to defend the actions of their members in question.
The South Florida Benevolent Association said in a statement that Hill was “uncooperative” during the exchange, and the officers involved restrained him and sent him to the ground “pursuant to policy.”
Hill on Sunday insisted he “wasn’t disrespectful” and “didn’t cuss” during the incident that has restarted a national conversation on excessive use of force and racism.
Latest on Tyreek Hill’s Run-In With Police
Hill was never arrested but received two citations — for careless driving and a seatbelt violation, per ESPN. Hill’s Dolphins teammate Calais Campbell was cuffed but not cited after at least one officer took issue with Campbell coming to Hill’s aid.
The SFBA said in its statement that “Hill was briefly detained for officer safety, after driving in a manner in which he was putting himself and others in great risk of danger.
“Upon being stopped, Mr. Hill was not immediately cooperative with the officers on scene who, pursuant to policy and for their immediate safety, placed Mr. Hill in handcuffs. Mr. Hill, still uncooperative, refused to sit on the ground and was therefore redirected to the ground.
“Once the situation was sorted out within a few minutes, Mr. Hill was issued two traffic citations and was free to leave.”
Where does the truth lie?
We probably won’t know until the bodycam footage is released, but that won’t be until Miami-Dade cops complete their review. At least one officer involved in the incident has been placed on administrative duties while the investigation is completed.
Hill’s pregame run-in with police was jarring for the Dolphins’ locker room, which has overwhelmingly come to the All-Pro wideout’s defense. Despite the events of the morning, Hill still caught seven passes for 130 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins’ 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“He went out there and went crazy on the field like he always does,” Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer said Monday. “What a crazy story for him, and that’s something I’ll tell my grandkid when I’m 70 years old. ‘Yeah, Tyreek got arrested and went out there and went crazy on the field.'”