By Joanna Putman
Police1
MIAMI — Newly released body camera footage shows Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill being removed from his car during a traffic stop near Hard Rock Stadium, USA Today reported.
The footage, released by the Miami-Dade Police Department, captures a three-minute interaction where Hill is pulled over for speeding, leading to a confrontation that resulted in his detainment, according to the report.
Video shows Hill being stopped by a motorcycle officer who informed him that he had been speeding. After turning over his license, Hill rolled up his car window, prompting the officer to knock again. Hill repeatedly told the officer, “Don’t knock on my window like that,” and asked for his ticket.
“Keep your window down, or I’m going to get you out of the car,” the officer warned before ordering Hill to exit the vehicle. Several officers are seen pulling Hill from his car and placing him on the ground.
During the struggle, Hill repeatedly complained of knee pain, telling officers, “I just had surgery on my knee!” Officers brought Hill to the ground and placed him in handcuffs to detain him.
Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie Daniels addressed the release of the footage.
“The department is committed to conducting a thorough, objective investigation into this matter, and we will continue to update the public on the outcome of that process.”
Following the incident, Daniels said one officer was placed on administrative duty while the investigation is conducted.
After the incident, Hill left the scene amicably, shaking hands with the officers and stating, “Respect, for real. It’s nothing personal. Appreciate it.”
Hill was cited for careless driving and driving without a seatbelt, according to the report.
The South Florida Police Benevolent Association, which represents Miami-Dade police officers, stated that Hill was “uncooperative” during his brief detainment before the Miami Dolphins’ game on Sunday and was “redirected” to the ground for refusing to sit while in handcuffs, ESPN reported.
“To be clear, at no time was he ever under arrest,” said Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association. “He was briefly detained for officer safety after driving in a manner in which he was putting himself and others in great 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.”
Hill’s attorney, Julius Collins, stated Monday that his legal team is “exploring all legal remedies” and believes the officers’ actions were “excessive,” according to the report.