'I wasn't trying to create a scene'- Tyreek Hill on worrying reason he got out of his car slowly before 'embarrasing' arrest by four policemen

'I wasn't trying to create a scene'- Tyreek Hill on worrying reason he got out of his car slowly before 'embarrasing' arrest by four policemen

Mark Kinyanjui 13:30 - 10.09.2024

Tyreek Hill has slammed the manner of his arrest by the police, claiming he would probably have been shot were he not a famous athlete

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill is still coming to terms with a surprising police detainment just hours before the NFL season opener. While en route to Hard Rock Stadium, Hill was pulled over for a moving violation, a routine stop that quickly escalated.

In an interview with CNN’s The Source, Hill expressed his disbelief over the situation. “I was shocked. It was crazy because it all happened so fast,” he said, recounting how police repeatedly pulled him from his car.

 “I wasn’t moving fast... I play a physical sport and I’m dealing with some stuff,” he explained.

“I wasn’t moving fast because you know I got injuries, I got things that I go through.

“I guess the officers they felt like I wasn’t doing it on their timing,” he explained, adding, “I was doing it but I’m still kind of shell shocked from it. I’m embarrassed.”

The South Florida Police Benevolent Association later defended the officers, claiming Hill had been uncooperative and their actions were necessary for safety. 

However, Hill disputed this version, explaining that he had cooperated by handing over his identification but was hesitant to fully lower his window, fearing fans passing by might recognize him. “I didn’t want to create a scene at all,” Hill said, emphasizing that his goal was simply to avoid unwanted attention.

The wide receiver, who had recently undergone knee surgery, also faced difficulties when asked to step out of his car. “I was getting out... but the way that my car is made, there’s like a dip inside,” Hill explained, which further slowed his movement.

Hill’s ordeal didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates. Tight end Jonnu Smith and defensive end Calais Campbell arrived at the scene to help calm the situation, though Campbell was briefly handcuffed. “They ended up handcuffing Calais for just being 6-8, I think,” Hill said, reflecting on the absurdity of the moment.

Looking back, Hill acknowledged the incident could have been much worse had he not been a high-profile athlete. “If I wasn’t Tyreek Hill... we would’ve had a different article,” he remarked.

“Tyreek Hill got shot in front of Hard Rock Stadium, that’s worst-case scenario,” he said. “It’s crazy that me and my family had to go through this.”

Despite the unsettling experience, Hill turned the situation into fuel for his performance. During the Dolphins' 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hill scored an 80-yard touchdown and celebrated by mimicking handcuffs, a subtle nod to the events of earlier that day. “You got to learn how to laugh and have a good time,” he said, demonstrating his resilience in the face of adversity.

Hill’s ability to maintain a positive mindset, both on and off the field, continues to drive his success. As he noted, finding the good in challenging situations is key to staying “strong minded.”

Tags: