Bodycam footage shows the intense moment Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill was pulled over, taken out of his vehicle, and handcuffed while on the ground. Hill was cited for careless driving and a seat belt violation.
The Miami-Dade Police Department released bodycam footage of the incident involving Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill, which occurred during a traffic stop before Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The footage shows the intense moment that Hill was pulled over, taken out of his vehicle, and handcuffed while on the ground.
Hill was found to be driving at a "visual estimation (of) 60 mph" in a 40 mph zone with no seat belt. He was briefly detained during the traffic stop after an intense back-and-forth with officers. Dolphins teammates Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith were also given citations during the incident.
Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill Detained in Traffic Stop, Bodycam Footage Released
Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales released a statement on the incident, saying, "The body-worn camera depicting the interaction between members of the Miami Dade Police and Mr. Hill is hard to watch, but it's a reminder that we must always strive to do better."
Hill was cited for careless driving and a seat belt violation, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department. Careless driving is defined in Florida statute 316.1925 as "any person operating a vehicle upon the streets or highways within the state shall drive the same in a careful and prudent manner, having regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and all other attendant circumstances, so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. Failure to drive in such manner shall constitute careless driving and a violation of this section."
Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill Detained in Traffic Stop, Bodycam Footage Released
The incident has sparked a debate about police interactions with professional athletes. Some have criticized the officers' actions, while others have defended their use of force. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has said that he is "gathering all the information" before making any judgments.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has said that Hill is "not blameless" in the incident, while others have defended the player and condemned the officers' actions. The incident has also raised questions about the use of body cameras by police officers and the public's right to access such footage.
Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill Detained in Traffic Stop, Bodycam Footage Released
The Miami-Dade Police Department has said that it is conducting an internal investigation into the incident. The Dolphins have said that they are cooperating with the investigation and will take appropriate action once it is completed.
The incident has also sparked a conversation about the relationship between the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Police Department. Morales has said that he hopes that the incident can be used to "forge a stronger partnership between our professional athletes, the community, and the brave men and women who are sworn to protect us all."
The Dolphins are scheduled to play the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night. It is unclear whether Hill will play in the game.
