Ricky Williams, the 2002 NFL rushing yards leader and round one, number five pick of the 1999 draft, was caught on video being stopped and frisked by police after the former pro decided to spend some time by taking a walk near his hotel, the Courtyard Marriott, in Tyler, Texas, as reported by the New York Daily News. Video showing the incident was recorded by a Tyler police dash cam. In addition to the many accolades he has received as a retired NFL pro, Ricky Williams is also a current cast member of the "Celebrity Apprentice."
While he was being investigated by police, one of the officers was reported to comment on the likeness of the suspect with the former Miami Dolphins pro Ricky Williams.
"I am Ricky Williams," was how the 39-year-old California native was said to respond to the officers. The police involved in stopping and questioning Williams were said to have been investigating a man hopping between backyards in the neighborhood.
Ricky Williams: video shows stop by police
Don Martin, a spokesperson with the Tyler police stated, that if the person under investigation had not returned to the area "and acted in a suspicious manner" that the entire incident could have been avoided. Martin said that he felt that the "officers did a professional job and did the proper job." In the video, one of the police can be heard telling Ricky Williams "I know more than what you think I know."
After being stopped in the video, Ricky Williams asked the officers "Do you know how many times I’ve been messed with by cops just for being black?" Appearing on Austin's "The Dudley and Bob Show" on Wednesday, Williams remembered telling the officers that they "don't know what it's like" to be a black person in the United States and that the incident wasn't the first time he felt that he had been targeted because of his race.
Former NFL pro welcome in Tyler, Texas
Martin indicated that he and Ricky Williams met and discussed the incident. There has been no indication that the former football pro would be pursuing legal action. The Tyler police representative stated that Williams was always welcome in Tyler and that the reality show star even has a place to stay with his family, "We have a guest room he’s welcome to."
