"Same spin, blame the victim” - James Blake revisits own detention, shares his support for Tyreek Hill as police claim NFL star was non-cooperative
Former tennis star James Blake is voicing his support for NFL star Tyreek Hill after the latter was detained by police on Sunday. A media statement released by the police stated that the Dolphins wide receiver was uncooperative, leading to the escalation of the situation.
Hill was detained near the Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday for an alleged traffic offense. Videos from the incident show the footballer lying facedown on the ground, as officers handcuffed him.
According to an official statement by the Miami PD, Hill was handcuffed "for officer safety after driving in a manner in which he was putting himself and others in great risk of danger." Apparently, he was not "immediately cooperative" and was "redirected to the ground" after he refused to sit down.
In light of this incident, James Blake came forward in support of the Miami Dolphins star while recounting his own encounter with the police.
“This is the same spin they always try to put on it. Blame the victim," said Blake. "He isn’t the one who is supposed to be trained in deescalation. Then when there is no way to blame (my case) the lies start. Then expect us to believe officers. That trust is shattered.”
In 2015, Blake had been on his way to the US Open when he was handcuffed and slammed to the ground by multiple police officers. According to reports, the tennis star was mistaken for the operator of an identity theft ring and was released once the officers realized their mistake.
Replying to the original post by the American, a fan wrote:
“Oh, I didn't know you were there James.”
Blake clapped back by writing:
“I was there in 2015. Driving while black is similar to my standing while black. Only way they even acknowledge it is the cameras and the victim is famous. Otherwise, it’s just another Sunday for these officers. That’s why we have to speak up.”
James Blake on holding the officers who detained Tyreek Hill accountable
In 2015, James Blake was waiting for a car to take him to the US Open just outside of his hotel when a police officer ran up to him and slammed him to the ground as he handcuffed him. The 44-year-old was released after the police found out he wasn't the person they were looking for.
While Blake refused to call the incident one of racial-profiling, he did call the force used blatantly unnecessary, telling Wayne Coffey of the New York Daily News:
"You'd think they could say, 'Hey, we want to talk to you. We are looking into something. I was just standing there. I wasn't running. It's not even close [to being OK]. It's blatantly unnecessary. You would think at some point they would get the memo that this isn't OK, but it seems that there's no stopping it.”
Now, James Blake’s isn't too optimistic about the officers who detained Hill being held accountable, writing on X:
“Slap on the wrist coming. Mark my words. I really hope @OldTakesExposed marks it and can call me out if there is real accountability, but as optimistic as I am, I just don’t believe it will really happen.”
James Blake reached a settlement with New York City instead of taking the matter further. The settlement included that the city create a new position with a watchdog agency that hears complaints against the police, as well as a fellowship with the Civilian Complaint Review Board to help people with complaints against the establishment.