Hill incident before Dolphins game puts NFL on moral hold again originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
After the NFL walked away from Colin Kaepernick and his admirable cause for eight full years, one of its teams is aligning itself with the Super Bowl quarterback it pushed into the streets.
Miami Dolphins executives, after seeing Police body camera video Brutal star wide receiver Tyreek Hill released a statement Monday condemning the act and calling for the “overly aggressive and violent” officers to be reprimanded for their “despicable” behavior toward the 5-foot-10, 190-pound black man.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 10, 2024
The Dolphins’ statement should be commended for its focus. Words matter, and the statement’s use of phrases such as “using such unnecessary force and hostility” indicates a genuine antipathy toward the police.
But it would be premature to applaud him. Given the NFL’s history at its highest levels, we can’t assess his sincerity. We’ve heard America’s most popular league talk the talk for years, but consistently turn down opportunities to deliver.
The NFL has to live with its treatment of Kaepernick, who was voted the least popular player in the NFL in a September 2016 ESPN poll, even though his scarlet 49ers jerseys were selling faster than those of any other player, including Tom Brady.
Imagine how deep the roots of indifference must be for the NFL, which strives to get every penny before it kneels at the altar of the dollar, to turn its back on a man who represents its best-selling jersey.
After the global protests that followed the public murder of black citizen George Floyd by a white Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, the NFL decided to “support” social justice with half-hearted slogans and bumper stickers. The league had already ended the careers of Kaepernick and those who joined his peaceful protest.
In September 2024, it will not be enough for a single NFL team to declare that it stands with millions of others who eagerly await the day when America delivers on its age-old promises of justice and equality. Making a difference begins with a rational response that spans all cultures. How effective is the Dolphins’ statement if every NFL owner and commissioner, Roger Goodell, can’t muster the same outrage?
It’s also a moment for NFL players. Watching three Miami Dade officers drag Hill from his car, throw him face down on the sidewalk, handcuff him and choke him for a traffic violation should elicit disgust and outrage from anyone with a conscience. Or a shred of decency.
Hill was on his way to Hard Rock Stadium for a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars when he was arrested. Once he rolled up the driver’s side window of his McLaren (worth about $500,000) while being spoken to, the officers’ attitude changed. Rudeness is not a crime, but Hill was subjected to a criminal response.
After the handcuffs were removed, Hill was ticketed for reckless driving and seat belt violations.
Two of Hill’s Dolphins teammates, Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith, were also heading to the stadium when they stopped to intervene on Hill’s behalf. Both were eventually arrested, with Smith reportedly being issued a citation.
Seeing his teammates at the scene, Hill urged them to call his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Once he learned of the incident — and saw the video — Rosenhaus had a strong response Tuesday during an appearance on “The Dan Le Batard Show.”
“I personally think the officers who did this to Tyreek should not be in this situation,” Rosenhaus said. “They should be released. Look at the guy who kicked him — that guy should be fired. This is out of control. The guy who jumped on him and choked him? There’s no place for a police officer to wear a badge that works like that when Tyreek wasn’t aggressive, violent or fighting back in any way.”
De-escalation is part of police training, as is diplomacy in dealing with the public. Force should only be used when necessary. That’s not what happened with Hill, and it’s not what happens too often. The video is revealing, and there is no justification for the behavior of several officers, at least one of whom has reportedly been placed on administrative leave.
Every time law enforcement officers are caught on camera abusing or murdering those they have paid to protect and serve, our society has an opportunity to reveal itself. Here we are. Again.
This is not about Hill’s character, because he has had justifiable run-ins with the law. This is a case in which there was no aggression on his part, and he is very clearly the victim.
Furthermore, this is a golden opportunity for the NFL and everyone in the NFL to stand up, speak out and demand equality and civility. And then take action.
Testimonies from Dolphins executives and players like Jalen Ramsey should be just the beginning. As should those from former players like Robert Griffin III and LeSean McCoy.
We need more voices from all sides who are willing to take action. If they are truly committed to a safer, healthier, better America.
