Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Cop Who Harassed NFL Player Apologizes

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 27, 2009 6:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – A Dallas police officer who pulled out a gun on an NFL running back rushing to see his dying mother-in-law apologized today, the Dallas Morning News reports. "I wish to publicly and sincerely apologize to the Moats family... and to all those who have been rightfully angered by my actions," said officer Robert Powell, who has been suspended. Powell said he has been unable to reach Moats to personally apologize.

This 2008 photo provided by the NFL showing Philadelphia Eagles' Ryan Moats.
This 2008 photo provided by the NFL showing Philadelphia Eagles' Ryan Moats.   (AP Photo/NFL)
Philadelphia Eagles football player Ryan Moats douses himself with water to cool off during organized team activities at the team's practice facility Monday, June 9, 2008 in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Eagles football player Ryan Moats douses himself with water to cool off during organized team activities at the team's practice facility Monday, June 9, 2008 in Philadelphia.   (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
This video frame grab taken from a police dashboard camera shows NFL player Ryan Moats outside Baylor Regional Medical Center in Plano, Texas early March 18, 2009.
This video frame grab taken from a police dashboard camera shows NFL player Ryan Moats outside Baylor Regional Medical Center in Plano, Texas early March 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Dallas Morning News)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Dallas police officer Robert Powell was placed on administrative leave yesterday over a traffic stop involving NFL player Ryan Moats.   (YouTube)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »

I showed poor judgment and insensitivity to Mr. Moats and his family by my words and actions. With great remorse I accept my responsibility for adding to their grief in an already difficult time. - Robert Powell, in a statement
through his attorneys

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Newser001
Mar 28, 2009 12:41 PM CDT
Too little, too late. Terminate him.
riffran
Mar 28, 2009 8:03 AM CDT
Maybe the cop was scared shi*less when that big fellah jumped out of the car....but at least in the area I live in, cops have a little more heart....if they realize the "offender" is headed to the hospital, they usually wind up escorting the person, and left alone....sounds like the Dallas cop had a bad case of "jerkitis"...shamefull indeed.
skeptik
Mar 28, 2009 6:32 AM CDT
Unfortunately people with his type of personality are drawn to law enforcement. There needs to be better screening for cop school & zero tolerance for pointless aggression so we don't have his type supposedly keeping us safe.

More Newser Stories

Dallas Cop in Moats Traffic Stop Resigns

Moats to Traffic-Stop Cop: Apology Accepted

Cop Harassed NFL Player Trying to See Dying Relative

Dangerous Counterfeit Cancer Drug Found in US

Induced Labor Lets Dying Dad See Baby


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne