Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has issued a scathing rebuke of the Miami-Dade Police Department after Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley was tasered and arrested in a controversial incident early Friday morning. Griffin accused the police of treating Kerley, a celebrated athlete, worse than a “murderer or terrorist,” and labeled the encounter a “complete overuse of force.”
The Incident
Bodycam footage released by authorities shows the altercation between Kerley and officers near an active police scene in Miami. According to reports, the 29-year-old, who won a silver medal in the 100-meter dash at the Tokyo Olympics, approached officers to discuss a vehicle parked nearby. What started as a verbal exchange escalated into a physical confrontation, with officers attempting to handcuff Kerley as he resisted.
In the footage, Kerley can be seen on the ground, struggling against officers, as a woman nearby yells, “Stop!” Moments later, an officer deploys a taser, hitting Kerley, who briefly manages to get to his feet before being subdued and handcuffed. The woman can be heard shouting, “He didn’t do anything,” as the chaotic scene unfolds.
Griffin’s Reaction
Griffin, known for his vocal advocacy on social issues, took to social media to condemn the police’s actions.
“Murderers and terrorists get treated better than Fred Kerley was in this situation,” Griffin wrote. “This is COMPLETE OVERUSE OF FORCE by the Miami-Dade Police against Fred Kerley.”
Griffin criticized the officers’ approach, stating, “Complying with the police is always the best option, but American citizens should not be put in situations where they have to defend themselves from the police. The police are supposed to be helping us, not harming or intimidating us.”
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Context and Allegations
Reports suggest that Kerley refused to move away from the scene when instructed, allegedly adopting a “fighting stance” and ignoring repeated warnings from officers. The situation escalated further when backup was called, and Kerley resisted arrest, leading to the use of a taser. He was charged with battery on a police officer, resisting an officer without violence, and disorderly conduct.
However, Griffin argued that the video evidence does not justify the level of force used. “From that point on, the police officer escalated the situation by pushing Fred extremely hard after Fred clearly asked him not to touch him,” Griffin wrote. “In what world is it okay for a police officer to unnecessarily push a civilian or charge them with violent intentions?”
Public Backlash
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning whether the police’s actions were excessive. Critics of the police department pointed to the footage as evidence of unnecessary escalation, particularly given Kerley’s status as an Olympian and role model.
“How do you represent your country and come home to unnecessary beat downs like this?” Griffin continued. “Being an Olympian doesn’t exempt you from accountability, but every human being should be exempt from being jumped and tased by four police officers when it’s not warranted.”
Kerley’s Record and Background
Kerley is one of the most accomplished sprinters of his generation, with an Olympic silver medal and a bronze medal from the Paris Olympics. He also starred in the Netflix docuseries Sprint last year, which chronicled his rise in athletics.
The sprinter’s legal team has not yet issued a statement, but Kerley is expected to appear in court soon to address the charges.
Broader Implications
This incident comes on the heels of a similar controversy involving the Miami-Dade Police Department, which faced criticism for its handling of a traffic stop involving NFL star Tyreek Hill earlier this year. Griffin’s comments underscore a broader debate about police use of force and accountability.
As the footage circulates online, calls for a full investigation into the incident grow louder. Meanwhile, Griffin’s impassioned defense of Kerley has brought the case into the national spotlight, raising questions about the treatment of athletes and civilians alike in encounters with law enforcement.
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