Tyreek Hill Handcuffed During Traffic Stop: Miami-Dade Police Union Defends Officers’ Actions

Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill was briefly handcuffed and placed facedown on the ground during a traffic stop ahead of the Dolphins’ season opener. According to the president of the Miami-Dade Police Department’s union, Hill was detained because he was not “immediately cooperative” with officers during the stop.

A video of the incident went viral hours before the Dolphins kicked off their game on Sunday, sparking widespread discussion. Hill later addressed the media, stating he remained respectful throughout the incident and was unsure why he had been handcuffed.

Hill Responds to Incident

“I have no idea, for real,” Hill said after the Dolphins’ game. “I wasn’t disrespectful because my mom didn’t raise me that way. Didn’t cuss. Didn’t do any of that. So, like I said, I’m still trying to figure it out, man.”

Expressing his confusion over the officers’ actions, Hill emphasized his efforts to remain calm, inviting the audience to empathize with his experience.

Police Union Explains Officers’ Actions

Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, released a statement defending the officers’ actions. He said Hill was detained for officer safety due to his driving behavior and initial lack of cooperation.

“Upon being stopped, Mr. Hill was not immediately cooperative with the officers on the scene who, under policy and for their immediate safety, placed Mr. Hill in handcuffs,” Stahl said. He also noted that Hill refused to sit on the ground, leading officers to “redirect” him to the ground. The situation was resolved within minutes, and Hill was issued two traffic citations before being allowed to leave.

Officer Placed on Administrative Leave Amid Investigation

Following the incident, a Miami-Dade police officer was placed on administrative leave, and an internal investigation has been launched. Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie Daniels confirmed to the Miami Herald that the decision came after reviewing body camera footage of the traffic stop.

The investigation could lead to disciplinary actions against the officer or department policy changes. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised the department’s swift response and noted the importance of examining the use of force during such incidents.

“In recent years, our nation has confronted important conversations on the use of force,” Levine Cava said. “The internal review process will answer questions about why the officer took the troubling actions shown in public video footage.”

Hill and Teammate Calais Campbell Briefly Detained

Hill stated that he was pulled over for speeding and reckless driving but remains unclear on why the situation escalated. His teammate, defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who was on his way to the game, also became involved. Campbell said he attempted to de-escalate the situation but was also briefly detained.

“They were trying to yank him down to the ground,” Campbell told ESPN. “I saw them kick him and pull him down. I feel like one officer was pushing on his head.”

Campbell said he approached officers with his hands up, explaining that he was a friend of Hill’s, but was handcuffed for “disobeying a direct order” to stay away from the scene.

Hill Addresses Potential Racial Profiling

Following his 80-yard touchdown during the game, Hill referenced the incident by celebrating with his arms behind his back, mimicking being handcuffed. He later reflected on how the situation might have unfolded differently if he were not a public figure.

“I don’t want to bring race into it, but sometimes it gets kind of iffy when you do,” Hill said. “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what that guy or guys would have done.”

Hill emphasized following his uncle’s advice during the encounter: “Just listen, put your hands on the steering wheel, and just listen.” This advice reflects the experiences and fears of many Black Americans when interacting with law enforcement, adding a layer of social justice to the incident.

Hill’s NFL Stardom and Past Incidents

Hill, one of the NFL’s top receivers, has been named to the Pro Bowl every season since entering the league in 2016. He led the league in receiving last year, tallying 1,799 yards, and won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020. After being traded to the Dolphins in 2022, Hill signed a four-year, $120 million extension, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.

This isn’t Hill’s first encounter with Miami-Dade police. Last offseason, he was investigated for assault after an altercation with a marina worker. The dispute was later resolved between Hill and the worker.