MIAMI — Miami Dolphins’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill is standing firm in his demand to see Miami-Dade Police Officer Danny Torres fired, following a traffic stop that has gained national attention. The incident, which occurred two weeks ago, has escalated, with Hill’s legal team now fully in place and ready to challenge the officer’s track record.
Hill has been vocal from the beginning.
“He gotta go, man,” Hill stated unequivocally during a recent news conference.
This declaration followed his removal from the vehicle and subsequent detainment, where he was cuffed on the ground—a scene that shocked many.
A History of Controversy: Officer Torres Under Scrutiny
Hill’s legal team, led by Fort Lauderdale attorney Jeffrey Neiman, has made it clear that Officer Torres’ history raises serious concerns. “Officer Torres has been suspended six times,” Neiman noted. “Is there another job on planet Earth with that track record that you would still have if you were an ordinary American? No.”
Neiman didn’t hold back when discussing Torres’ continued employment, suggesting that the officer is shielded by legal protections. “The only reason he has the job still is because he’s a police officer hiding behind this qualified immunity,” he emphasized.
Qualified immunity, a legal doctrine designed to protect law enforcement officers, has been the subject of intense debate. According to the FBI, this protection ensures that officers aren’t held personally liable unless they violate a “clearly established constitutional right.”
Police Union Defends Officer’s Record
In response to these allegations, Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida PBA, the police union, defended Officer Torres. “I will match his record up against Mr. Hill’s record any day of the week,” Stahl said, pointing to the need for due process in situations like this.
“There has to be certain protections out there for officers so that there’s not a jump to conclusion. But there’s also a mechanism in place through investigative panels and different internal affairs and different agencies that can investigate complaints like that,” Stahl explained, underscoring the role of investigative bodies in assessing officer conduct.
Push for Police Reform Grows Louder
As the legal battle unfolds, Hill’s team is using the spotlight to reignite a broader conversation about police reform. One of the central pillars of their push is to see the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act passed—legislation that has stalled in Congress but could bring sweeping changes to police accountability.
Devon M. Jacob, a member of Hill’s legal team and previously part of the team representing George Floyd’s family, highlighted the urgency of reform. “Probably the biggest two issues are the fact that we do away with qualified immunity for police officers,” Jacob said. “In addition, it would direct the DOJ to set national standards by which police can be held accountable.”
Awaiting Further Developments
As the situation continues to develop, CBS News Miami reached out to Officer Torres’ attorney for comment. So far, they have not received a response. Previously, the attorney indicated that no statement would be made until the investigation concludes.
Hill’s determination to seek justice, combined with the involvement of high-profile legal figures, ensures this case will remain in the public eye, potentially reshaping the conversation around police reform and accountability.
