Trump, who often comments on sporting events, has so far remained silent on Tyreek Hill

The incident involving the NFL star drew national scrutiny and commentary Sunday, which turned to outrage Monday when Miami-Dade police released more than an hour of body camera video of the incident.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who seems to have an interest in all things sports and culture, has remained silent on the national controversy surrounding the arrest Sunday of a Miami Dolphins star player.

NFL star Tyreek Hill was stopped for a traffic violation outside Hard Rock Stadium while trying to get to the stadium for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hill ended up handcuffed and on the sidewalk before being ticketed and allowed to enter the stadium.

The incident sparked nationwide interest and commentary Sunday, which turned to outrage Monday when Miami-Dade police released more than an hour of body camera video of the incident. The footage shows officers forcibly removing Hill from the vehicle and berating him, saying, “When we tell you to do something, you do it. Do you understand? Do you understand? Not what you want, but what we want.”

Tyreek Hill: Detention video ‘trigger’ for Miami Dolphins assistant coach

The police actions are widely criticized, but they receive support from police groups.

The actions of the police officers, as shown in the video, have drawn widespread condemnation.

The Dolphins released a statement Monday saying: “We are saddened by the excessively aggressive and violent behavior directed toward Tyreek Hill, Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith by police officers prior to yesterday’s game. It is both infuriating and heartbreaking to see the people we trust to protect our community use such unnecessary force and hostility toward these players, but it also reminds us that not all situations like this end peacefully, as we are grateful that this one did. ‘What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?’ is a question that will have a resounding impact.”

However, the South Florida Police Benevolent Association criticized Hill for failing to cooperate or comply with the officers who arrested him.

“After being arrested, Mr. Hill was not immediately cooperative with the officers on scene who, in accordance with policy and for their immediate safety, placed him in handcuffs. Mr. Hill, still uncooperative, refused to sit on the ground and was therefore directed to the ground,” the statement read. “After the situation was resolved within minutes, Mr. Hill was issued two traffic citations and was free to leave.”

She added: “We want to stress that the community should take this opportunity to remember that it is always better to obey legal political orders first and complain later.”

Trump Courts Police With Promise of Funding, Immunity From Prosecution

The incident came a day after Trump spoke at a rally of the National Fraternal Order of Police, which has endorsed the Republican candidate’s presidential bid.

Throughout his political career, Trump has assiduously solicited the support of police and first responders. In 2017, while president, Trump told police officers during a speech on Long Island, “Please don’t be too nice” to suspects.

“Like when you put somebody in a car and you protect their head, you know, the way you put your hand on it, like you don’t hit their head and they just killed somebody. Don’t hit their head. I said, you can take your hand off, OK?” Trump said.

In his speech last weekend and on the campaign trail, Trump emphasized that he had provided police departments across the country with military-grade equipment during his first term. If he returns to the White House, Trump said he would make “a record investment in recruiting, retaining and training police officers” and would seek immunity from prosecution for officers accused of wrongdoing.

“You have gangs of criminals going into stores and stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise without any fear of punishment because you’re not allowed to do your job,” Trump said.

Trump has sharply criticized the kneeling protests

Trump, even as a politician and former president, has not failed to emphasize the connection between sports and politics. He has sharply criticized so-called “kneeling” protests during the national anthem before NFL games.

During his speech to the Fraternal Order last weekend, Trump addressed the issue of transgender athletes.

“Why would somebody say something as simple as, ‘We want men to play women’s sports’? Why do they want to say, ‘We want men to play women’s sports’? Why is that?” Trump asked. “Have you seen the Olympics where there were two fighters, two fighters in transition? They transitioned.”

Antonio Fins is the politics and business editor for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He can be reached at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.