Tyreek Hill's legal representative calls for prompt termination of the police officer involved in the traffic stop.
"Each activity carried out by a law enforcement officer is guided by established operational protocols," attorney Julius Collins stated in a letter given to CNN. "We believe that the officer's application of force was excessive, escalating, and reckless. We are insisting that the officer be terminated instantly."
The letter was penned following Hill's arrest by police prior to the Dolphins' inaugural game of the season. Footage of Hill's arrest, along with tense encounters between police and two additional Dolphins players at the scene, have ignited a public exchange between the NFL team and local law enforcement, and rekindled discussions on how authorities manage traffic stops and engage with the general public.
In specific terms, Hill's lawyer accused Miami-Dade Police Officer Danny Torres of at least twice grasping Hill's neck area twice.
Upon extracting Hill from his vehicle, the officer allegedly pushed Hill's face onto the pavement with force, positioned his knee against Hill's back, and encircled the back of Hill's neck, the lawyer explained. Secondly, as the officer attempted to get a handcuffed Hill to sit down on the sidewalk, he reportedly clutched Hill's neck area and forced him onto the ground, disregarding Hill's references to having recently undergone knee surgery, the lawyer said.
Lastly, the lawyer connected Hill's detention to more extensive concerns regarding how police engage with Black individuals.
"The incidents that unfolded on September 8, 2024, represent a poignant reminder of the pervasive hardships that people of Black and minority communities confront at the hands of law enforcement. While we are not implying that the officer is racist, we are asserting that the customs and practices of law enforcement, from a historical standpoint, have been discriminatory and oppressive towards Black and minority communities," Collins wrote.
On "The Dan Le Batard Show" on Tuesday, Hill's agent Drew Rosenhaus echoed Collins' sentiments, advocating for the removal of the officers involved.
MDPD Director Stephanie V. Daniels announced the launch of an internal investigation into the incident.
"I am dedicated to fostering transparency and accountability towards the community concerning any scenario involving my officers," Daniels said.
Torres, a 27-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department, was assigned administrative duties following the incident, according to department officials. The department declared that the decision to put Torres on leave was premature, and called for his immediate reinstatement. Torres' attorneys, Ignacio Alvarez and Israel Reyes, stated that he would remain silent until after the investigation, in a joint statement.
The police union has backed the actions of the officers involved and accused Hill of being uncooperative.
Hill was ultimately charged with reckless driving and failing to wear a seatbelt, according to police documents. The citations reported a speed of approximately 60 mph for Hill's vehicle.
Hill was released in time for the Dolphins' 1 p.m. game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The eight-time Pro Bowler then delivered an impressive 80-yard touchdown, and celebrated by positioning his hands behind his back, with his wrists together, in a humorous gesture referencing the pre-game incident.
The lawyers representing Hill strongly believe that US law enforcement, specifically Officer Danny Torres, used excessive force during Hill's arrest, which has further escalated tensions between the Dolphins and local law enforcement.
The letter from attorney Julius Collins emphasizes that the actions against Hill highlight the enduring challenges Black and minority communities face in their interactions with the US police force.
