Former Atlanta Falcons wideout Roddy White hopes reporting the officer who pulled him over will “save the next black man’s life” that gets stopped in Dekalb County, Georgia.
White sent out a series of tweets on Wednesday after getting pulled over by an officer who ticketed him for his expired license plate tags and speeding. The free agent wide receiver said he wasn’t upset about the tickets, but rather that he was worried the officer went to his gun before approaching his vehicle.
So I just got pulled over for speeding and my tag expired so I got 2 tickets which I wasn't complaining about I gladly excepted them
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
But what I had a problem with is officer Kirby of the dekalb county police department bag #1970 I'm going to have to report this man
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
In particular, White questioned why the officer needed to unbutton his weapon from its holster before he approached White’s car.
This officer got out his car and immediately unbutton his his strap on his gun and put his hand on his gun and came to my car wit his hand
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
On his gun like I was going to do something to him so I asked him why he had his hand on his gun the man said it was police procedure
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
So I said really and he said no it's my procedure I than asked him why do u think I want to hurt you and he had no response I than said
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
Given the increased attention that police violence against people of color has received in recent years, it’s understandable that White is worried about his safety during what should be a routine traffic stop.
White said he “could’ve died” if he didn’t have his identification ready and reacted differently during the stop.
It's cops like you that makes this world a very ugly place its a good thing I already had all my information to give him or I could've died
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
On a routine traffic stop cause if u stopping me for speeding I don't see a reason to grab your gun
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
I’m definitely not an expert in police procedure, but the looming threat of a gun pulled on you during a traffic stop is scary. White was clearly unnerved by the incident and said he will report the officer in the hopes it will save the next black man’s life that officer may encounter on patrol.
But I am going to report officer Kirby for his action it may save the next black man's life
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
White joins the growing number of athletes who have been vocal about police violence against people of color in recent months. Having a close call with an officer like this is an unsettling reality for many people in America. Thankfully for White, it amounts to something he could tweet about and simply pay a fine.
