Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore has accused the Providence Police Department of exhibiting “unprofessional” conduct and racism during a traffic stop on Wednesday. Nevertheless, body camera evidence released by the PPD appears to present an alternate narrative.
“For the first time, I encountered five Providence officers displaying extreme unprofessionalism and racism at its finest,” the 25-year-old former second-round draft selection posted on X at 1:22 AM in a tweet that has since been removed, recounting his perspective of the ordeal.
TMZ Sports reached out to the Providence (RI) Police to request access to the body cam footage worn by the officers.
The footage opens with Barmore’s Jeep Grand Cherokee already parked on the roadside at 12:53 AM… as two officers approached his vehicle.
“I’m a football player. I’ve no intention of being tied up in this. I’m just heading home, so why did you pull me over unnecessarily?” Christian inquired. “I wasn’t speeding or doing anything wrong. If I had wanted to, I could have easily outrun you.”
After reviewing his documents, the officers found that the vehicle he was operating was not registered, leading them to inform the former University of Alabama standout that they needed to tow it.
However, Christian disagreed, asserting, “You’re not taking my vehicle.”
Barmore and the police exchanged words, with an officer stating, “I activated my lights a street behind him, and he didn’t stop for around 5 minutes after I turned them on.”
The officer continued… “I can’t see that plate. You make it seem like I’m harassing you without cause. I pull you over, approach you, and I’m attempting to clarify, yet you’re acting up and throwing papers at me.”
“No one is tossing papers at you, bro. I handed them to you,” Barmore retorted, following up with, “I’m not exiting my vehicle. Absolutely not!”
After further resistance regarding a supervisor’s presence at the scene, PPD made additional attempts to persuade him to exit the automobile.
“Your vehicle will be towed no matter what. How the rest of this unfolds will rely on your conduct,” an officer informed Christian.
Intense discussions followed … and when Barmore attempted to shut his window, officers opened his door, prompting the defensive lineman to shout, “I challenge you to lay a finger on me, [n-word].”
A short while later, Christian exited his automobile, visibly frustrated, addressing the officers with, “stop touching me, boy. Stop touching me, boy.”
Tensions eased briefly as the towering 6’5″, 315 lb. Barmore stepped away from his Jeep, granting police the opportunity to inspect the vehicle.
According to a report from PPD that was acquired by us, officers discovered a “blunt” along with “multiple tubes containing marijuana.”
Following the vehicle inspection, and prior to the arrival of the tow truck, police reported that Barmore, who was not in custody, departed the scene in another vehicle. He was allowed to leave.
Regarding the allegations of racial bias, PPD defends their officers’ actions.
“We recognize that any interaction with law enforcement can be anxiety-inducing, however, it’s crucial to acknowledge that officers are tasked with upholding all relevant laws, including those concerning vehicle registration,” a spokesperson conveyed to us.
Barmore was cited with three violations … operating an unregistered vehicle, driving with expired registration, and for having a concealed license plate. He faced no charges regarding possession of marijuana.
CB’s vehicle was taken to the local tow lot.