NFL
Why has a police officer been placed on leave after Tyreek Hill’s arrest?
The Dolphins wide receiver was detained and handcuffed before the game against the Jaguars, but was released in time to play.
The NFL returned with the start of the 2024 regular season at the weekend. Not only was there drama on the field, but there was also plenty off it, especially concerning the Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill.
Why was Tyreek Hill arrested?
Just hours before Sunday’s season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hill was arrested and handcuffed by police outside Hard Rock Stadium. The details of what went on were initially unclear, although it was reported the wide receiver was briefly detained for a traffic violation as he was arriving.
Hill’s agent later revealed his client has received a caution for reckless driving and driving without a license.
The 30-year-old was released in time to play for the Dolphins and had a starring role in his team’s 20-17 win, notching seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. He even managed to make light of the incident during the game, celebrating his score by putting his hands behind his back after which teammate Jaylen Waddle proceeded to “handcuff” him.
Afterwards, Hill said, among other things, he was unsure as to why such drastic action had been taken against him. “I’m not going to give you a version that I still don’t know what happened. But I do want to be able to use this platform to say, ‘What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?’ I wasn’t disrespectful ‘cause my mom didn’t raise me that way. Didn’t cuss, didn’t do none of that.”
What has come to light, however, is that one Miami-Dade police officer has been put on administrative leave as a result of their role in the arrest.
“Following the incident involving Tyreek Hill, I have initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to ensure a thorough review of the matter,” said Miami-Dade Police Department Director Stephanie Daniels in a statement. “One of the officers involved in the incident has been placed on administrative duties while the investigation is concluded. I’m committed to transparency and accountability to the community with any situation involving my officers.”
Online videos show Tyreek Hill arrest
Although it hasn’t been disclosed why the officer has been placed on leave, videos of the incident have appeared online. One shows an officer quickly approaching Hill, who falls to the ground, although the view is partly obstructed. In a second video, the Dolphins star can be seen lying on the ground, with one of the four officers surrounding him placing a knee on his back.