Miami Dolphins' star wide receiver Tyreek Hill was briefly detained for reckless driving near Hard Rock Stadium but faced no criminal charges. An officer involved in the incident was placed on administrative duties pending an investigation, according to Pro Football Network, and the New York Post.
Videos and photographs of Hill lying face down and handcuffed quickly went viral, causing a stir on social media. Hill called the situation “crazy” and said he had “no idea” why he was cuffed at the time.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed that the league had been in contact with the Dolphins regarding the incident but declined to comment further.
The incident drew significant attention online, and Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged the emotional impact it had on the team.
Calais Campbell, a six-time Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, attempted to assist Hill when he saw him handcuffed. Campbell was briefly detained for allegedly disobeying officers' orders. He stated, "I'd seen, I feel like excessive force," and called the incident "a bit extreme," according to Pro Football Network.
Hill's agent said legal action is a possibility.
The Miami-Dade Police Department’s internal affairs division has contacted Hill, according to a Time report.
Hill noted that the officer’s administrative leave "should indicate the seriousness of the situation."
"What if I wasn't Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what that guy or guys would have done," he is cited as saying in a New York Post.
Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie V. Daniels requested an "immediate review" of the incident’s details and emphasized transparency and accountability, including a review of the body camera footage.
Drew Rosenhaus, Hill’s agent, described the detainment as a "heartbreaking situation." He expressed being "deeply concerned" and "very troubled," emphasizing that "how things escalated... is mindboggling to me."
Despite the pre-game 1 drama, Hill managed to focus on his performance. "I was able to calm down a little bit because I know I had a job to do. I've got a family to feed, I've got to be a leader of this team," he said.
Hill played a crucial role in the Dolphins' subsequent 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, catching seven passes for 130 yards and scoring an 80-yard touchdown from Tua Tagovailoa. Jaylen Waddle, his wide receiver partner, caught 5 passes for 109 yards.
The Miami Dolphins will meet the Buffalo Bills next.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Pro Football Network, New York Post, The Daily Beast, The Paintsville Herald, The Detroit News, Front Office Sports, ClutchPoints. Time, Mirror.