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Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore criticized the Providence police, describing their behavior as “unprofessional” and racially biased during a traffic encounter on Wednesday. Nevertheless, body camera recordings released by the PPD appear to reflect a different perspective.
“I just witnessed for the first time 5 Providence officers displaying remarkably unprofessional conduct and racism at its peak,” the 25-year-old former second-round draft selection posted on X at 1:22 AM in a now-deleted update, recounting the event from his viewpoint.
TMZ Sports reached out to the Providence (RI) Police Department for the footage from the police-worn body cameras.
The video begins with Barmore’s Jeep Grand Cherokee already halted by the roadside at 12:53 AM when two officers approached his vehicle.
“I’m a football player. I’m not here for any of this. I’m heading home, so what was the reason you pulled me over?” Christian inquired. “I wasn’t speeding or anything. If I truly wanted to, I could have outrun you.”
When officers reviewed his documents, they revealed that the car he was operating was not registered, prompting them to inform the former University of Alabama standout that they needed to tow it.
However, Christian was adamant, stating, “You’re not taking my car.”
Christian and the officers exchanged words, with one officer stating, “I activated my lights a street back, and he didn’t stop for about five minutes after that.”
The officer continued, “I can’t decipher that plate. You act as though I’m harassing you without cause. I pull you over, I approach you. I’m trying to explain my actions, yet you seem to be giving me attitude and tossing paperwork back at me.”
“I didn’t throw any papers at you, my friend. I handed them to you,” responded Barmore, insisting, “I’m not exiting my car. I’m not going to do that!”
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Following additional resistance regarding whether a supervisor was attending the scene, the PPD once more attempted to persuade him to exit the vehicle.
“Your vehicle is being towed no matter what. How everything else unfolds relies on your conduct,” one officer informed Christian.
More disputes broke out … and as Barmore attempted to close his window, officers opened his door, leading the defensive lineman to shout, “I challenge you to touch me, [n-word].”
Shortly after, Christian exited his car but was visibly upset, telling officers … “stop touching me, boy. Quit touching me, boy.”
Things temporarily settled when the towering 6’5″, 315 lb. Barmore stepped away from his Jeep, allowing law enforcement to check the vehicle.
The PPD, in an incident report we acquired, states they discovered a “blunt” along with “multiple tubes filled with marijuana.”
After examining the vehicle, and prior to the arrival of the tow truck, authorities indicated that Barmore, who was not detained, departed from the scene in a different vehicle. He was allowed to leave.
Regarding the accusations of racism, the PPD maintains its officers acted appropriately.
“We acknowledge that any interaction with law enforcement can be daunting, but it’s crucial to highlight that officers are compelled to uphold all relevant laws, including those concerning vehicle registration,” a spokesperson conveyed to us.
Barmore received three tickets … for operating an unregistered vehicle, driving with expired registration, and for an obscured license plate. No charges were pressed regarding the marijuana.
CB’s vehicle was removed to the nearby impound lot.