Tyreek Hill said Wednesday he “could have been better” in the situation that unfolded outside Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, when he was detained ahead of the Dolphins season opener.
The star Dolphins receiver spoke to the media ahead of Thursday’s matchup against the Bills and reflected on the incident involving Miami-Dade police officers, one of whom he demanded be fired.
“My whole life is all about accountability, like how can I get better? Right now, I have family members who are cops, we’ve had conversations. Yes, I will say I could have been better,” Hill said during a news conference. “I could have let down my window in that instant, but the thing about me is, man, I don’t want attention, I don’t want to be cameras out, phones on you in that moment, but at the end of the day, I’m human, I’ve got to follow rules, do what everyone else would do.
Tyreek Hill speaks to the media on Sept. 11, 2024. Miami Dolphins/YouTube
Tyreek Hill addressed his detainment ahead of the Dolphins’ opener by Miami-Dade police. via REUTERS“Now, does that give them the right to literally beat the dog out of me? Absolutely not, but, at the end of the day, I wish I could go back and do things a bit differently.”
The 30-year-old Hill was pulled over en route to the Dolphins Week 1 game against the Jaguars this past weekend.
In bodycam footage released Monday, officers approached Hill’s vehicle and tapped on his window, to which the eight-time Pro Bowler appeared to respond, “Hey, don’t knock on my window like that.”
Hill was then instructed to exit his vehicle and as one officer opened the car door, Hill was pulled from his seat and brought to the ground, laying on his stomach as he was placed in handcuffs.
Miami-Dade police stated Sunday the incident has been placed under “immediate review,” and 27-year veteran Danny Torres has been put on administrative duties stemming from the ordeal.
The ordeal transpired outside Hard Rock Stadium. via REUTERS“We are saddened by the overly aggressive and violent conduct directed towards Tyreek Hill, Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith by police officers before yesterday’s game,” the Dolphins said in a statement Monday, referencing the fellow Dolphins who joined Hill at the scene.
“It is both maddening and heartbreaking to watch the very people we trust to protect our community use such unnecessary force and hostility towards these players, yet it is also a reminder that not every situation like this ends in peace, as we are grateful this one did.”
Hill called for Torres’ termination in the wake of the incident in a statement released through his attorney.
Hill has called for an officer’s firing amid his role in the scene. via REUTERS“Each action that a law enforcement official takes is governed by standard operation procedures. We are of the opinion that the officers’ use of force was excessive, escalating, and reckless. We are demanding that the officer be terminated effective immediately,” Hill said via attorney Julius B. Collins on Tuesday.
The Dolphins host the Bills on Thursday night with kickoff slated for 8:15 p.m.
