The NFL season opener for the Miami Dolphins took an unexpected turn when star wide receiver Tyreek Hill found himself in a situation with law enforcement. Just hours before the Dolphins were set to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hill was involved in a traffic incident that briefly threatened to derail his game day preparations. Did that succeed though? Let's find out.
Why Was Tyreek Hill Detained?
Fans eagerly awaiting the kickoff of the new NFL season received news that Tyreek Hill had been detained by police near Hard Rock Stadium. Video footage circulating on social media showed the Pro Bowl receiver face down on the ground, with officers placing his hands behind his back and apparently handcuffing him.
The incident occurred not far away from the stadium, and many were wondering why the athlete was detained. According to reports, Hill was pulled over for a traffic violation about one block from the venue. Hill himself later claimed that officers accused him of "speeding, recklessly driving." He was eventually released afterwards and featured in the Dolphins game.
Detainment to Touchdown
Despite the pre-game drama, Hill managed to shake off the incident and deliver an excellent performance on the field. In a 20-17 victory over the Jaguars, Hill managed to rack up seven catches for an impressive 130 yards, scoring a crucial touchdown.
Hill didn't pass up the chance to playfully reference the day's drama. He decided to celebrate his touchdown with a playful nod to his earlier run-in with the law. Teaming up with fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle, Hill's celebration mimicked being handcuffed, and social media could not have enough of the gesture.
The story didn't end with the final whistle, though. In the hours following the game, the Miami-Dade Police Department announced that one of the officers involved in Hill's detainment has been placed on administrative duties pending an internal investigation.
Director Stephanie V. Daniels of the Miami-Dade Police Department stated this: "Following the incident involving Tyreek Hill, I have initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to ensure a thorough review of the matter.
One of the officers involved in the incident has been placed on administrative duties while the investigation is conducted. I'm committed to transparency and accountability to the community with any situation involving my officers."
Hill, for his part, expressed frustration with how the situation played out. Speaking about why he was treated that way in a post-game press conference, he remarked, "I have no idea, for real! No idea man, it's crazy.
"I wasn't disrespectful, because my mum didn't raise me that way. Didn't cuss, didn't do any of that, so I'm still trying to figure it out."
Would There Be Potential Legal Action?
There are indications that the story may not be over just yet. Reports suggest that Hill and his legal team are considering litigation in response to the detainment.
Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who described the incident as "unnecessary," had this to say:
"Tyreek said he was just pulling into the stadium and it's a legal situation, so I'm not going to get into a lot of the details, but he felt like things got way out of hand. We'll be talking to his legal representation and there will be an investigation.
"This shouldn't happen to a player entering his home stadium. It's just absurd. I'm sorry for Tyreek and while not pointing fingers, something obviously happened that shouldn't have relative to the police officers on the scene."
As the NFL season continues, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how this situation develops. Above all, the Dolphins would be looking to build on their season-opening victory, despite all the drama surrounding their star receiver.