Florida police detained Tyreek Hill, wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, prior to the team’s Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The Miami-Dade police stopped Hill for a traffic incident just a block from the stadium, according to the Dolphins.
The team reported on social media that Hill was briefly detained but has since been released, and several teammates stopped to show their support. Hill and the other players involved arrived safely at the stadium in time for the game.
During a postgame press conference, Hill explained that he was pulled over for speeding but did not elaborate further. Footage showed him lying face down on the ground as officers handcuffed him. Hill expressed confusion about the handcuffs and described the incident as “crazy,” asserting that he had not disrespected the officers.
He also thanked his teammates for their presence during the incident, noting their support was significant to him. Despite the distraction, Hill performed well in the game, catching an 80-yard touchdown pass and commemorating it by emulating being in cuffs during his celebration.
The police department stated that they are reviewing the incident, and one officer involved has been placed on administrative duties pending an internal investigation, as confirmed by Police Director Stephanie V. Daniels. She emphasized her commitment to transparency and accountability regarding the actions of her officers.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed support for the immediate measures taken, highlighting the importance of addressing the use of force. She noted that the findings from the internal review would be shared with the public.
Dolphins defensive lineman Calais Campbell reported that he too was handcuffed during the incident. He attempted to de-escalate the situation after witnessing Hill’s detention and criticized the officers’ actions as excessive force.
Hill, who is entering his third season with the Dolphins, has a history of legal issues dating back to his college years, including a 2014 arrest for assaulting his pregnant girlfriend, a 2019 battery accusation, and a settlement reached last year regarding an alleged assault on a Miami Beach employee, with no charges filed in either case. The NFL did not impose any discipline on Hill in these incidents.