By Frank Pingue
(Reuters) -Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill was placed face down on the road and handcuffed after being detained for a driving violation on Sunday ahead of his NFL team’s season-opener and the Miami-Dade Police Department have opened an Internal Affairs investigation.
Hill, who led Miami in receiving yards last season, was detained by police near the Dolphins’ home stadium but released from custody in time to play in his team’s home game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
One of the officers involved in the incident with the five-time All-Pro wide receiver has been placed on administrative duties as the Miami-Dade Police Department conducts a review of the matter.
“That should tell you everything you need to know,” Hill told reporters after Miami’s 20-17 win when informed that one of the officers was placed on administrative duties.
Late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, the speedy Hill scored on an 80-yard touchdown play that helped spark Miami to victory.
Hill, who finished the game with a team high seven catches for 130 yards, celebrated his touchdown by putting his hands behind his back to simulate being handcuffed.
After the game, Hill, who said his endzone celebration was pre-planned, offered some details about the incident.
“I was just making sure that, you know, I was doing, doing what my uncle always told me to do whenever you in a situation like that, just listen, put your hands on steering wheel. Just listen. So gotta be careful man,” said Hill.
“They said I was speeding, but I don’t know. They said I was speeding, reckless driving, whatever.”
The NFL said it has been in contact with the Dolphins but had no further comment at this time.
“VERY UPSETTING”
In an interview with NFL Network, Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, called the incident “very upsetting” and said his client was upset but OK.
“To see my client in handcuffs, some of the video that we’re seeing is unnecessary,” Rosenhaus said during NFL GameDay Morning. “There’s no reason that Tyreek should have been treated that way.”
Miami-Dade Police Department requested an immediate review.
“I’m committed to transparency and accountability to the community with any situation involving my officers,” Miami-Dade police director Stephanie V. Daniels said in a statement posted on X while announcing the Internal Affairs investigation.
The Dolphins said 30-year-old Hill was briefly detained about one block from their stadium.
“Several teammates saw the incident and stopped to offer support,” the Dolphins said on X. “Tyreek and all other players involved have safely arrived to the stadium and will be available for today’s game.”
Hill was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and the speedy receiver won a Super Bowl during his six seasons with the team before being traded to Miami in 2022 for five draft picks.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Additional reporting by Eric Beech in Washington; Editing by Ken Ferris)
