Patriots player issues apology to police after posting that officers are 'unprofessional racists'

FOXBORO, MA - On Saturday, October 19th, New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore issued a public apology to the Providence Police Department (PPD) after calling their officers "unprofessional" and "racist" after a traffic stop that took place in the morning hours on Wednesday, October 16th.

According to WCVB, a report from PPD said that officers saw a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee pass their marked cruiser at the intersection of Elmwood Avenue and Parkis Avenue at 12:53 a.m. Officers noted that the windows were tinted and a plate cover over the temporary registration made it difficult for the officers to read the information. Officers reportedly said that they signaled for the Jeep to stop, but the operator "slow rolled" until finally stopping in front of 343 Broad Street.

The report stated, "This tactic is known to police by slowing down an interaction with police to hide any contraband or weapons. It should also be noted that the area is known for high narcotic usage." Officers said they made contact with Barmore, who asked the officers why he was being stopped.

The report describes that Barmore "had an attitude" and handed paperwork over to the officers "in an aggressive manner." The temporary Pennsylvania registration on the vehicle had expired on October 5th. Barmore asked the officers for a ticket, but the officers informed him that the Jeep would be searched and towed. The report also indicates that officers spoke with Barmore's mother and asked her to pick him up on the scene.

The report also said that while Barmore was on the phone with his mother, he asked for a sergeant to come to the scene and refused several requests to exit his vehicle before finally getting out. Police said he appeared to be trying to conceal something under a seat. Upon searching the car, police found an "ash cup along with what appeared to be a blunt rolled with an unknown substance." Tubes of what appeared to be marijuana were found under another seat.

Police wrote in the report, "Due to Barmore's belligerent behavior and not wanting to stay on scene we left his summons in the vehicle along with his license and documents." The report said that Barmore walked towards a black Dodge Charger and eventually left the scene. Barmore was cited with operation of an unregistered vehicle, driving with expired registration, and display of plate penalties. 

Not even an hour after the incident, Barmore took to social media and wrote, "I just experienced for the first time 5 Providence cops being very unprofessional racism at its finest." This message was posted at 1:22 a.m.

Later that day, PPD responded, offering to address the issues with Barmore in a "constructive manner." A few days later, on Saturday, Barmore went back on social media, but this time to issue an apology. He wrote, "I apologize to the Providence Police Department, my teammates, and my family. My mother was a police officer and I understand the pressures related to their job. Which I didn't make any easier by reacting in the manner that I did.

I am using this as an opportunity to learn and do better. I have already met with members of the Providence Police Department to apologize in person. It is my hope that they accept my sincere apology. That meeting is just the first step of many that I am taking on the route to self improvement." According to CBS News, Barmore'r original post to X has since been deleted.

The PPD union released a response to Barmore's apology, saying, "We appreciate Mr. Barmore taking responsibility for the actions of that evening and for the apology to the officers involved and the PPD. Mr. Barmore took the high road, and that's commendable."