The Miami Dolphins have broken their silence regarding the body camera footage that showed NFL star Tyreek Hill being restrained by Miami-Dade Police.
The video shows the tense moments when officers pulled Hill over and how the situation escalated before officers handcuffed him to the ground and forced him to sit on the curb near his car.
The Dolphins called for punishment for the officers involved.
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Tyreek Hill is removed from the car (Miami-Dade Police Department)
“We are saddened by the overly aggressive and violent actions taken by police officers against Tyreek Hill, Callie Campbell and Jonnu Smith prior to yesterday's game,” the team said. “It is infuriating and heartbreaking to see unnecessary force and hostility used against our players by those we trust to protect our community. But it also serves as a reminder that situations like this do not always end peacefully, and we are grateful that this time it did. The question, 'What if I wasn't Tyreek Hill?' will leave a deep impact.”
“We are proud to have a strong and successful relationship with the Miami-Dade Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, and know that the vast majority of our officers serve our community with the highest integrity and a desire to protect all citizens. However, as made perfectly clear in the video released tonight, some officers mistake their responsibility and duty to serve for false power. While we commend MDPD for taking the appropriate and necessary steps to swiftly release this footage, we urge them to take equally swift and strong action against any officers involved in such despicable conduct.”
“We stand with Tyreek and our players as they strive to use their platform and this situation to make a positive impact in our community. We have always believed that football has the unique power to bring people together, and we remain hopeful that through the collaborative efforts of our players, organizations and community partners, we can create lasting change.”
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) takes the field during the first half of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA. (Jasen Beinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
Tyreek Hill detention bodycam footage released: 'Take me to jail'
Hill was taken into custody Sunday near Hard Rock Stadium before the Dolphins played against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The South Florida Police Benevolent Association defended the officers early Monday, calling Hill “uncooperative.”
Police union president Stedman Staal said Hill was being detained “for the safety of our officers because he was driving in a manner that placed him at great risk to himself and others.”
“Upon being stopped, Mr. Hill did not immediately cooperate with officers on scene and therefore, as per protocol, and for the officers' immediate safety, Mr. Hill was handcuffed,” the statement read. “Mr. Hill continued to be uncooperative and refused to sit on the ground, so he was forced to sit on the ground.”
Stahl said Hill had been issued two traffic tickets and reminded anyone who has interactions with police officers to “follow the law first and your police commander and complain later.”
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) throws the football before a preseason game against the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA. (Sam Navarro – USA Today Sports)
He added: “We are confident in our actions in suspending Mr. Hill, but as with any investigation, we will await all the facts to come forward along with an explanation for Mr. Hill's actions that led to this unfortunate incident.”
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The police officers involved in the detention were placed on “administrative duty.”
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