“What if I wasn’t…?” Tyreek Hill links ‘race’ to his shocking arrest before the Dolphins first game of the season

After beating the Jaguars on opening day, Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill discussed his pre-game detainment, questioning what might have happened if he weren’t famous.

“What if I wasn’t…?” Tyreek Hill links ‘race’ to his shocking arrest before the Dolphins first game of the season

Tyreek Hill (Image via IMAGO)

Tyreek Hill’s Sunday started on the wrong foot. He almost ended up in jail for reasons unknown.

Before reaching Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday morning—to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars—Tyreek Hill was stopped by the highway patrol. Videos and photographs of the Super Bowl winner lying on the ground face first and handcuffed went viral instantly.

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Hill was eventually let go after a brief Q&A, and he managed to reach the locker room just in time for the kickoff. The Dolphins won 20-17, and Hill caught 7 passes for 130 yards and recreated the now-famous handcuff photo after scoring an 80-yard touchdown.

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During the post-game presser, Hill addressed the early morning incident but revealed he had no clue why it happened.

I have been trying to figure that out too. Right now I am trying to put it all together. Though I am not going to give you a version… [because] I still don’t why that happened.
Tyreek Hill said

The all-pro wideout further added that there are great and honest police officers out in the streets doing their jobs, but the incident similar to him needs to be addressed.

What if it wasn’t me? What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill bro? Worst-case scenario because it’s case scenario but I wanna be a cop one day, and I got a lot of respect for the cops.
Tyreek Hill said
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The cops also detained Tyreek Hill’s teammate

Hill wasn’t the only one the cops detained. Dolphins defensive lineman Calais Campbell tried to help his teammate but ended up wearing handcuffs as well.

What if I wasn't... Tyreek Hill links 'race' to his shocking arrest before the Dolphins first game of the season
Tyreek Hill (extreme right) with Raheem Mostert (In center) (Image via IMAGO)
They put handcuffs on me too, and I was like, ‘What the hell is going on.’ I didn’t understand what the issue was, but for him to put handcuffs on me, I felt some type of way. But that just goes to show how resilient we are. We didn't let that stop us.
Calais Campell said per Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network

Later inside the Dolphins’ locker, Wolfe spoke with safety Javon Holland, who had 2 tackles and 1 assist against the Jaguars. Holland didn’t stand on ceremony and addressed the elephant in the room.

That’s got to get handled [Tyreek Hill getting detained by police without specific reason]. Excessive force on a black man is not uncommon. It’s a very common thing in America. That needs to be addressed on a country-wide level.
Javon Holland said

Later, Miami Dade Police reported that officers involved in the incident had been placed on administrative duties pending the internal investigation, according to NBC News.

Following the incident involving Tyreek Hill, I have initiated an internal affairs investigation to ensure a thorough review of the matter.
Police Director Stephanie V. Daniels said in a statement

Regardless of the incident, the Dolphins won their opening game. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 23/37 for 338 yards and 1 touchdown. De’Von Achane carried the ball 10 times for 24 yards and scored 1 rushing touchdown. Hill’s wide receiver partner Jaylen Waddle caught 5 passes for 109 yards. Up next, the Dolphins will play against the Buffalo Bills.

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