Excitement over arrest – “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?”

NFL star Tyreek Hill was before the game of his Miami Dolphins arrested during a traffic stop. 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 played in his Miami Dolphins’ 20:17 victory at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars a landing – and brought his team back into the game after a botched first half.

The spectacular landing After an 80-yard pass that paved the way for the Dolphins to win, the players celebrated with a gesture: Hill folded his arms behind his back and had his teammates Jaylen Waddle symbolically put on handcuffs.

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 the US sports channels. Hill had been arrested by the police during a traffic check near the stadium because “reckless driving”.

Videos from 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 was said to have turned up in the locker room very angry, but he was determined to play – and dealt with the incident in his own way: with a personal best, the longest touchdown pass he has ever caught. And the appropriate celebration, during which he allowed himself to be arrested again for fun, this time by his teammate.

Faster than the police allow – this should be the message of the Wide receivers who also 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.

Police union Competition Official

The Miami police union defended the conduct of its officers on Monday. “He was briefly detained for the safety of officers after driving in a manner that placed himself and others in great danger.”said union president Steedman Steel in a statement: “When stopped, Mr Hill was not immediately cooperative with officers on the scene, who handcuffed him in accordance with regulations and for their immediate safety.”

Since Hill also subsequently “still not cooperative”He was then pushed to the ground next to his sports car. “We are confident that the actions taken to stop Mr Hill are correct, as with any investigation.”Stahl continued: “However, we will wait until all the facts are known and Mr Hill has an explanation for his actions that led to this unfortunate incident.”

Hill had previously asserted that he had not behaved 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 in US sports four years ago and even threatened operations in the major professional leagues.

Dolphins star Hill, although he escaped with a vengeance, once again made a connection to structural racism in US society at the press conference. He asked the group: “What would have happened if I hadn’t been Tyreek Hill?” So he is not a famous football player, whose reputation would probably protect him from possible attacks during a police check. “He does not want to make his skin color an issue,” said Hill, but of course his female comments are 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?

Reports from the American sports channel “ESPN” In addition, two other Dolphins players helped to clarify the situation: Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith had observed the scene on the hard shoulder and had come to support their teammates. Hill said he was very happy when his teammates arrived, he felt very alone. “That showed me what a damn good team we are. They came to my aid, even though they put themselves in danger.“

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

Police officer suspended after incident

Hill’s agent described the police’s behavior as “completely unacceptable” and announced that his lawyers were considering legal action. The Miami-Dade police announced an internal investigation. One officer has also been suspended and assigned to administrative duties.