Footage Released Of Tennis Star James Blake Being Wrongly Tackled And Body Slammed By New York Police Before Being Arrested For Crime He Did Not Commit (Video)

Video footage from security cameras has been released of retired tennis star, James Blake, being tackled and slammed to the ground by a plain clothes New York Police Department officer, in a case of what they are labeling mistaken identity. Blake was waiting outside an upscale New York hotel for a car to take him to the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, when he was attacked by the NYPD officers shown on the video and five others in the undercover unit.

The New York Police Department has revealed a witness allegedly identified Blake as a perpetrator buying phones with a stolen credit card. However, they had the wrong man. While the actual suspect does bear a bit of a resemblance to Blake, many including the tennis star, want to know why such force was used in arresting him for a non-violent crime (and one he did not commit).

James Blake

Blake could have hit his head on the concrete or damaged his spine when the officer charged at him, then slammed the tennis player on the ground. That was very dangerous. Blake escaped with bruises and scratches, but things could have turned out much worse. If he was the type of man to become easily enraged, like rapper Kanye West, he probably would have been killed for resisting arrest. There is no necessity for such force. This is how Eric Garner died in what became a global scandal the NYPD still has not recovered from.

Police do have a difficult job, where they put their lives on the line each time they go on duty. However, there needs to be a proper balance. Excessive force and police brutality has killed so many people, particularly minorities. Look what happened to Blake. It is a prime example of what black people in America have been complaining about for years. He did nothing wrong in the incident and was treated terribly, physically injured and could have been killed. There has to be a better way to go about confronting and questioning suspects. The officers knew they were wrong, as they tried to cover up the incident by violating police rules in not filing an incident report. It took Blake to go public with the offense for it to be addressed. 

Tennis Player James Blake Tackled, Slammed To The Ground And Arrested By New York Police Department In A Case Of Mistaken Identity (Video)

The frequently sued New York Police Department (NYPD) is in the middle of another scandal, as 5 white officers tackled and body slammed Harvard educated, award winning former professional tennis player, James Blake, mistaking him for a man who had purchased a phone with a stolen credit card.

The 35-year-old tennis star was standing outside a swanky hotel in New York City, whilst waiting for a car he hired to take him to a Time Warner assignment at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York. One of the five officers, who were dressed in plain clothes, lifted Blake in the air and slammed him on the concrete. They all swarmed and held him down, despite the fact he didn't resist arrest and kept asking what's going on. Blake was later released when a retired police officer recognized him and apprized the arresting officers of the tennis star's identity.   

Blake stated to the press after the incident, "To me it's as simple as unnecessary police force, no matter what my race is. In my mind there's probably a race factor involved, but no matter what there's no reason for anybody to do that to anybody." Indeed, as many online are questioning why it required such spontaneous force to detain someone for the non-violent crime of credit card theft.

 

James Blake

The New York Police Department issued a statement on the incident, "Once Blake was properly identified and found to have no connection to the investigation, he was released from police custody immediately. In regards to the alleged improper use of force, the Police Commissioner directed the internal affairs bureau to investigate."

Blake is demanding an apology. However, it would be surprising if one was issued by the NYPD, as that would be admitting liability and can be used against the New York Police Department in court during civil litigation for wrongful arrest and physical injury. The police officers in question did not even report the incident, in violation of department rules. It took Blake going public to bring attention to the issue. The officer that body slammed Blake has been stripped of his gun and badge, pending an internal affairs investigation. 

The NYPD has a well documented history of racism in meting out rough treatment to blacks and Hispanics that white people do not face. Black pregnant women have been manhandled and tossed to the floor during improper arrests. Black men have been killed by the New York Police Department in acts of police brutality and excessive force.

James Blake

It's been a rough year for Blake. Last summer an executive Blake rented his Florida home to set it on fire, after killing his wife, son. The man also killed himself. It was discovered the executive was having financial problems and sadly chose the wrong answer to his problems, via murder suicide.

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Arson Based Murder Suicide At Tennis Star James Blake’s Florida Mansion Highlights The Strains Financial Trouble Places On People

James Blake's Florida mansion set on fire during murder suicide by renters.

A suspicious, deliberately set fire that occurred at the Avila subdivision home of tennis star James Blake is being investigated as a murder suicide. Avila is located in Tampa, Florida. Blake, a former world number 4 tennis player, who retired last year, rented his $1,500,000 home to a family of four, who were found dead in the blaze. Blake was not in Florida at the time of the fire, which broke out at 6:00AM on Wednesday, May 7. 2014. Neighbors called 911 when the 6,000 square foot home Blake rented to Darrin Campbell, his wife and teenage daughter and son, went up in flames. 

James Blake house

Fireworks were strapped to the family members heads, each body had a gunshot wound and two of the victims’ body’s bore the signs of trauma. A gun was recovered from the crime scene. It was also reported Darrin Campbell was seen purchasing fireworks and gasoline cans, which were clearly used as an accelerant in the fire. Sometimes people become so depressed they commit murder suicide thinking they and their families will be reunited in the next life under better circumstances. It’s dangerous and deceptive view. Do not embrace this mindset. 

James Blake

Darrin Campbell was an executive, who like many others in America, was out of work for many months. It is always sad and regrettable when people become overwhelmed and view temporary setbacks and permanent. Financial woes have put a tremendous strain on many families, but the key is to remember you can recover. Do not adopt the fatalist view that your life is over and suicide is the answer. 

Teen siblings Collin and Megan Campbell

If you lose your job, apply for unemployment, while seeking other work. If you have to downsize to keep your family together or yourself afloat financially, do so. It’s not that bad. You’ll get used to it and can progress again. If things are financially bad, there’s no shame in filing bankruptcy. It is designed for people who are in need of financial relief. There’s no shame in filing bankruptcy and its your business. 

There are also homeless prevention programs in America which vary from state to state that give grant money to help those in financial distress, from issues such as foreclosure, obtain a deposit for an apartment and the first month's rent. It’s better than killing yourself or letting your financial woes consume you to the point you become physically ill (stroke, heart attack ect). Anyone who would judge you or cast aspersions on you over your financial situation is not a friend. 

Darrin Campbell

Never believe it’s over for you. Hold on and keep trying. You will find another job and new opportunities. You can work and rebuild what you deem you have lost. It’s also useful to learn new skills, no matter your age and try to create opportunities for yourself and your family.