NFL star Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins arrested by police during traffic stop before game

NFL star Tyreek Hill was arrested during a traffic stop before his Miami Dolphins game. The player criticized the police’s actions and linked them to unequal treatment and everyday racism in the USA.

It was probably the scene of the opening weekend in the NFL: Tyreek Hill scored a touchdown in his Miami Dolphins’ 20-17 victory at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars – and brought his team back into the game after a botched first half.

The players celebrated the spectacular touchdown after an 80-yard pass, which ultimately paved the way for the Dolphins to win, with a special gesture: Hill folded his arms behind his back and had teammate Jaylen Waddle symbolically handcuff him.

Dolphins star Hill before the game at Traffic control arrested

Of course, they were referring to an incident that had already caused a lot of excitement before the game, and not just on US sports channels. Hill was arrested by police during a traffic check near the stadium for “reckless driving”. Videos of fans quickly circulated online, showing the 30-year-old African-American lying handcuffed next to his sports car on the side of the road, surrounded by four officers. According to media reports, Hill was released after a few minutes and apparently does not have to fear prosecution.

Hill appeared in the locker room very angry, it was said afterwards, but he was determined to play – and then dealt with the incident in his own way: with a personal best, it was the longest touchdown pass he had ever caught. And the appropriate celebration, during which he allowed himself to be arrested again, this time by his teammate.

ESPN report: “Verbal reconciliation with police”

Faster than the police allow – this was probably the message of the wide receiver, who once challenged 100m Olympic champion Noah Lyles to a sprint duel. In the press conference after the game, however, Hill quickly became serious again when the topic of his arrest came up. He does not know what happened or why he was handcuffed.

ESPN reported that police information indicated there was “a verbal altercation,” after which officers detained the player. Hill said he did not act disrespectfully toward the officers. “I did exactly what my uncle taught me early on if I ever got into a situation like that: just keep my hands on the wheel and listen to what they say.”

“What would have happened if I hadn’t been Tyreek Hill?”

An instruction manual that has been internalized above all by the non-white population in the USA. Not only since the cases of police violence and racist attacks that led to protests among athletes four years ago and even threatened operations in the major professional leagues.

Dolphins star Hill, although he escaped, once again made a connection to structural racism in US society and asked: “What would have happened if I hadn’t been Tyreek Hill?” In other words: not a famous football player whose reputation would at least protect him to some extent from possible attacks during a police check. “He didn’t want to make his skin colour an issue,” said Hill, but of course his comments were aimed at exactly that. “What would have happened in the worst case scenario? God knows what she would have done otherwise.”

Two other Dolphins players involved – Special treatment by the police?

According to ESPN reports, two other Dolphins players also helped to clear up the situation: Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith had observed the scene on the shoulder and came to support their teammates. Hill said he was very happy when his teammates came to help, as he felt very alone.

It may have been only at this moment that the officers realized that they were dealing with a famous football professional. Afterwards, they let all the players go without any conditions. Ultimately, there is a suspicion that Hill, as an NFL star, was actually given preferential treatment by the police. This was also the concern that Hill subsequently raised with the media. “I would like to use this platform to make a positive change for the whole community in Miami.”

Police officer suspended after incident

Hill’s agent described the police’s behavior as “completely unacceptable” and said he would have his lawyers look into the incident. The Miami-Dade police announced an internal investigation. One officer has also already been suspended and assigned to administrative duties.