The South Florida Police Benevolent Association, the state's largest police union, defended the officers involved in the detention of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Hill was detained near Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday before the Dolphins played the Jacksonville Jaguars. Video posted to social media captured the tense moment and became a talking point around the NFL before the 1 p.m. ET game. Callie Campbell also said she was handcuffed while trying to calm everyone down.
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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill speaks during a press conference after an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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.”
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.”
The police officers involved in the detention were placed on “administrative duty.”
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (No. 10) makes a gesture during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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Hill's attorney, Drew Rosenhaus, called the incident “completely unacceptable” in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“What happened to Tyreek at the stadium today is completely unacceptable,” he said. “Tyreek should not have been treated like that by police. Tyreek's legal team will be pursuing this matter on Tyreek's behalf and will consider taking legal action.”
The wide receiver claimed he had “no idea” why officers handcuffed him.
“My mom didn't raise me that way, so I wasn't disrespectful,” Hill said. “I didn't swear or anything like that. Like I said, I'm still trying to figure it out.”
Hill said he wondered what would have happened if he hadn't been an NFL player.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (No. 10) celebrates with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (No. 17) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on September 8, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
“I don't mean to bring up the issue of race, but it gets a little touchy sometimes when you do,” he added. “What would have happened if I hadn't been Tyreek Hill? God only knows what that guy and his buddies would have done. I just made sure I did what my uncle always tells me to do whenever I'm in a situation like this: 'Just listen. Put your hands on the wheel and just listen.'”
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Associated Press that the league has been in contact with the Dolphins about the incident.
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Hill had an 80-yard touchdown catch against the Jaguars, and during the celebration he made fun of staying behind.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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