Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back after videos went viral Sunday showing Tyreek Hill being beaten and pinned to the ground during an arrest.
Hill was en route to the Dolphins’ season opener against the Jaguars, a block from Hard Rock Stadium, when he was pulled over and handcuffed face down.
After a clip circulated of a police officer apparently rushing at Hill and punching him during his arrest, Smith credited the officers with using excessive force during what was described as a “minor” traffic violation. He also compared it to the arrest of golf star Scottie Scheffler prior to the PGA Championship earlier this year.
“This story with the police and @cheetah is not going away, damn it,” Smith wrote. ‘Traffic violation? Fine. But WTH was he face down in cuffs, stood up, and then the other officer ran after him and forced him back to the ground??? No way! Over the top! Wrong! Again, this is not going away.’
Additionally, Smith posted a clip of the arrest and reiterated his position.
Stephen A. Smith was furious after videos of Tyreek Hill’s arrest went viral on Sunday
“See for yourself,” Smith wrote. “This is nonsense. Totally unnecessary. And by the way… I know the Scottie Scheffler incident was in Georgia — not Florida — and he was arrested, detained, booked.
“I also know we don’t know all the details, blah….blah…..blah! But he wasn’t face down on the ground in cuffs? And then he was forced back down by officers a second time. No! This story isn’t going away — and it doesn’t have to.”
On May 17, Scheffler was pulled over on his way to Valhalla to tee off at the PGA Championship. Fans woke up in the morning to pictures of him in handcuffs and a photo of him.
After the unexpected turn of events, Scheffler was received with great enthusiasm and ended the day at the top of the rankings.
Although the manner in which they were arrested was starkly contrasting, Hill was released shortly afterward and took the field for the game against Jacksonville.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was arrested en route to their home opener
On May 17, Scheffler was pulled over on his way to Valhalla during the PGA Championship
“We are aware of the recent arrest of Miami Dolphins player Tyreek Hill by officers of the Miami-Dade Police Department,” Stephanie V. Daniels, director of the Miami-Dade Police Department, told DailyMail.com.
“I have requested an immediate review of all details surrounding the incident, and we are also reviewing available bodycam footage. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
After his arrest, the Dolphins confirmed he was safe and witnessed several teammates intervene to de-escalate the situation after seeing him in handcuffs.
The team’s statement read: “This morning, WR Tyreek Hill was stopped for a traffic incident approximately one block from the stadium and briefly detained by police. He has since been released.
Hill was released shortly after and is expected to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars
‘Several teammates witnessed the incident and stopped to offer support.
‘Tyreek and all other players involved have arrived safely at the stadium and will be available for today’s match.’
Despite the release, Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, described the incident as “heartbreaking” and the police’s actions “completely unnecessary.” Rosenhaus also revealed that their camp will be pursuing legal action.
“I’m very upset about it,” he told Darlington on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown. “We’re going to have to look at it.”