Miami Dolphins star receiver Tyreek Hill was “uncooperative” with police and “initiated” the incident that led to him being handcuffed face-down on the ground before Sunday’s game, according to a statement released Monday by the South Florida Police Benevolent Association.
Hill was issued two traffic citations after being stopped by police outside of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
“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 risk of danger,” read the statement from SFPBA president Steadman Stahl.
“Upon being stopped, Mr. Hill was not immediately cooperative with the officers on the scene who, pursuant to policy and for their immediate safety, placed Mr. Hill in handcuffs,” the statement continued. “Mr. Hill, still uncooperative, refused to sit on the ground and was therefore redirected to the ground.”
Hill, 30, was released after “a few minutes,” per the SFPBA. He wound up catching seven passes for 130 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown, in the Dolphins’ season-opening 20-17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.