Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill has released a statement on social media following the release of bodycam footage of his detention by police officers. Hill called for unity and change, saying "we're on this Earth together."
Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill has spoken out about the need for unity and change following the release of bodycam footage of his detention by police officers.
Hill, who was detained on Monday before a Dolphins game, said in a social media post that "we're on this Earth together" and that he believes in "bringing people together."
Tyreek Hill Calls for Unity and Change After Bodycam Footage Release
"I'm not a big believer in dividing people," Hill said. "I don't believe in all that. I believe in bringing people together because that's my purpose in life. I do football camps all across the world trying to bring different people together … because we in this together, baby."
Hill went on to say that he wants to use his platform to make a difference.
Tyreek Hill Calls for Unity and Change After Bodycam Footage Release
"It's important to us," Hill said. "We want to be able to change lives all across the world – not just Miami."
The bodycam footage released by the Miami-Dade Police Department shows the intense moments which saw officers stopping Hill, then taking him out of his vehicle and putting him in handcuffs as the situation escalated.
Tyreek Hill Calls for Unity and Change After Bodycam Footage Release
The Dolphins have called for punishment for the officers involved in the incident.
Hill, who still managed to play in the game and scored an 80-yard touchdown, celebrated the score by mocking his detention.
Hill's comments come as the nation continues to grapple with issues of race and police brutality.
In recent years, there have been numerous high-profile cases of police officers using excessive force against Black people, sparking protests and calls for reform.
Hill's detention was just the latest in a long line of incidents that have raised questions about the relationship between police and communities of color.
In the wake of the release of the bodycam footage, Hill called for unity and change.
"I'm not a big believer in diving people," Hill said. "I don't believe in all that. I believe in bringing people together because that's my purpose in life. I do football camps all across the world trying to bring different people together … because we in this together, baby."
Hill's comments were met with praise from many on social media, who said that he was "speaking truth" and that his message was "important."
Hill's call for unity and change comes at a time when the nation is deeply divided.
It remains to be seen whether Hill's message will have any impact on the broader conversation about race and police brutality, but it is a reminder that even in the midst of division, there is still hope for unity.
