Tyreek Hill Says He’s ‘Still Shell-Shocked’ After Police Detainment

Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill says he’s “still shell-shocked” and “embarrassed” following a controversial police detainment that occurred just hours before the team’s season opener on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on The Source, Hill recounted the traffic stop, expressing his lingering shock and confusion.
“I really I wasn’t on that kind of energy. Like, I was chilling. I was following the rules. I wasn’t moving fast because, you know, I got injuries. You feel me? I got things that I go through … I’ve been doing this for a moment now, man. So I’m dealing with some stuff. I’m still kinda shell-shocked from it,” Hill told Collins, accompanied by his attorney Julius Collins.
The detainment, which occurred near Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, saw Hill briefly handcuffed by Miami-Dade Police Department officers for what the Dolphins later described as a “traffic incident.” Video footage circulating on social media showed Hill facedown on the ground as officers restrained him, sparking immediate concern among fans and fellow players.
Hill continued, “So I guess the officers, they felt like I wasn’t doing it on their time but … I was doing it. That, you know, man, I’m still kinda shell-shocked from it. And I’m embarrassed.”
Despite the pregame turmoil, Hill was released in time to join his teammates for the season opener. The Dolphins ultimately secured a 20-17 victory over the Jaguars, with Hill playing a key role in the conference win.
Miami-Dade police released a statement on Sunday from Director Stephanie V. Daniels, who initiated an “immediate review of all details surrounding the incident.” Hours later, Daniels announced that one of the officers involved in Hill’s detainment was “placed on administrative duties while the investigation is conducted.”
During a news conference following the game, Hill was told by reporters of the department’s decision. “That should tell you everything you need to know, then,” he said as he commended teammates Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith for attempting to de-escalate the situation.
Drew Rosenhaus, Hill’s agent, commented to CBS, describing the police stop as “surreal” and “traumatic.” Rosenhaus indicated plans to investigate the police conduct but refrained from making specific allegations.
In 2014, Hill pleaded guilty to domestic assault charges involving his then-pregnant girlfriend. In 2019, he was investigated by Kansas City police over a battery incident involving his son, though he did not face discipline for that case.
The South Florida Police Benevolent Association, the union representing Miami-Dade police, said Monday afternoon that Hill was deemed “uncooperative” and that he was merely “redirected” to the ground while in handcuffs during his detention, as he did not follow orders to sit.
“Before the Dolphins game yesterday, an incident occurred where Tyreek Hill was placed in handcuffs before being released. First, to be clear, at no time was he ever under arrest. He was briefly detained for officer safety, after driving in a manner in which he was putting himself and others in great danger,” Steadman Stahl, association president, said in a news release.
“Upon being stopped, Mr. Hill was not immediately cooperative with the officers on scene who, pursuant to policy and for their immediate safety, placed Mr. Hill in handcuffs. Mr. Hill, still uncooperative, refused to sit on the ground and was therefore redirected to the ground,” Stahl added.
“Once the situation was sorted out within a few minutes, Mr. Hill was issued two traffic citations and was free to leave.”
Daniels and Miami-Dade police later announced Monday night that they were releasing the bodycam footage related to Hill’s detainment as a pledge of public transparency. The department says it is committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will update the public on the outcome.
Newsweek contacted Miami-Dade police via email on Monday night for further comment.
As one of the NFL’s top receivers, Hill’s performance remains critical to the Dolphins’ success. Now in his third season with Miami, Hill’s focus appears to be on moving past the police detainment and continuing his on-field performance.
Update 09/09/24, 11:48 p.m.: This article was updated with additional context and information.