Patriots star Christian Barmore apologizes to Providence Police Department for racist behavior and allegations

Patriots defenseman Christian Barmore says he has apologized to the Providence Police Department for his behavior when officers pulled him over for motor vehicle violations, an incident he initially described as “racism at its best.”

The 25-year-old standout, who has been out of action this season with blood clots, received three vehicle violations in the Wednesday morning incident: operating an unregistered vehicle, license plate display penalties and driving with expired registration.

“A few days have passed since the incident with the Providence police and I have had the opportunity to deeply reflect on my behavior,” Barmore said Saturday afternoon in an X post. “I want everyone to know that I am truly sorry and I take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize to the Providence Police Department, my teammates and my family.”

“My mother was a police officer and I understand the pressures associated with their work. Which I didn’t make any easier by reacting the way I did,” Barmore added. “I’m using this as an opportunity to learn and do better.”

“I have already met with members of the Providence Police Department to apologize in person,” he concluded. “I hope they accept my sincere apology. This meeting is just the first step of many that I am taking on the path to self-improvement.”

Police stopped a matte gray Jeep Grand Cherokee minutes before 1 a.m. Wednesday after noticing tinted windows and a license plate on a temporary registration, “causing problems reading the information,” a police report states.

The operator of the vehicle, later identified as Barmore, “slowly rolled” from Elmwood Avenue and Brigham Street before coming to a complete stop in front of 343 Broad St. on the south side of Providence, near the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

“This tactic is known by law enforcement to delay interactions with law enforcement to hide any contraband or weapons,” the police report states. “It should also be noted that the area is known for high narcotics use.”

After being approached, Barmore asked officers why they stopped him before informing him of his “observations.” Authorities determined that the temporary registration expired earlier this month, on October 5th.

The police report states that Barmore did not provide updated registration and gave officers an “attitude and asked for a fine.” Police warned him that the vehicle would be towed from the scene and that they would search it.

Inside the vehicle, officers found “a cup of ash along with what appeared to be a blunt object wrapped in an unknown substance, where he was seen reaching under the seat. Under the passenger seat, we found what appeared to be several tubes filled with marijuana,” the report states.

Barmore reportedly left the scene in a black Dodge Challenger, “while still giving the police a hard time.”

The defensive attack hit X about 20 to 30 minutes after the interaction, posting: “Just experienced for the first time 5 Providence police officers being very unprofessional racism at its best.”

In response to the allegations, Police Col. Oscar Perez encouraged Barmore to “contact the Providence Police Department so we can address (your concerns and questions) in a constructive manner.”

“We understand that any encounter with law enforcement can be stressful, however, it is important to note that law enforcement officers are required to enforce all applicable laws, including those related to vehicle registration,” Perez said in a statement. “We will continue to review the situation to ensure proper procedures were followed and to maintain transparency with the public.”

The Providence Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3 condemned Barmore’s allegations Wednesday night, saying he “falsely accuse(d) officers of the Providence Police Department of unprofessionalism and racism.” The union also called on Barmore to “publicly rescind his false accusations against our police officers and issue a similar public apology.”

“The situation would and could have been nothing more than a routine traffic stop,” the union said in a Facebook post, “but not due to the driver’s uncooperative and argumentative behavior toward the officers, which ended up adding to the atmosphere to stop.

In the incident report, responding officers highlighted how Barmore resisted exiting the vehicle and how “while we attempted to gain control of Barmore, he continued to walk away from the police, stating that he did not want to be touched.”

“Due to Barmore’s belligerent behavior and his unwillingness to remain at the scene, we left his summons in the vehicle along with his license and documents,” the report states.

Barmore is on the non-football illness list after being diagnosed with blood clots at the start of training camp in late July. Coach Jerod Mayo hinted last week that the star defensive tackle could return before the end of the season.

“He’s progressing,” Mayo said of Barmore. “He still has some checkpoints or obstacles to overcome, but he is making progress.”

Barmore received a four-year, $84 million contract extension with the Patriots in April. The 2021 second-round pick was one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL last season, recording 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 16 QB hits in 17 games.