Christian Barmore, star Patriots player, cited by Providence police after tense traffic stop
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Christian Barmore, a star defensive lineman with the New England Patriots, was cited following a tense traffic stop early Wednesday morning in Rhode Island.
Providence Police described Barmore as "belligerent" and "aggressive," while the Patriots player said it was "racism at it's finest."
Christian Barmore traffic stop
It happened just before 1 a.m. on Elmwood Ave. in Providence.
According to a police report, the windows in Barmore's Jeep Grand Cherokee were tinted and he had a plate cover on the temporary registrations, causing issues reading the information.
An officer attempted to pull Barmore over, but alleges that the defensive lineman "slow rolled" police.
"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," the police report said.
Christian Barmore cited by police
Barmore stopped, but police said he "had an attitude towards police" and handed them his paperwork "in an aggressive manner."
Officers searched Barmore's Jeep and allegedly found an ash cup with what they say appeared to be a blunt and an unknown substance. Police also said they found several tubes filled with marijuana.
Barmore was cited for operation of an unregistered vehicle, display of plates penalties, and driving with an expired license.
Following the incident, Barmore posted a brief statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"I just experienced for the first time 5 Providence cops being very unprofessional racism at it's finest," Barmore posted. The post was deleted later on Wednesday.
Christian Barmore body camera footage
The Providence Police Department released body camera footage from the traffic stop.
"Bro, I ain't do nothing wrong. I just want to go home. That's all I want to do. You're not going to check my car. For what? I ain't got no weapons, I ain't no enemy," Barmore can be heard saying.
In the video, Barmore tells the officers he will not step out of the car.
"You're doing this to yourself. Just step out of the vehicle," one officer says. An officer can also be heard saying "Your car is getting towed regardless. How the rest of the stop goes is your behavior. Just go over there and step out … You want to get a charge or you just want to get out of your car, sir?"
Another officer warns "You're going to get locked up, sir."
"I'm a football player. I ain't here for none of that … I'm not even from out here. I'm from Florida. I play out here. I play football for the Patriots," Barmore told the officers.
During the traffic stop, Barmore is on the phone with his mother.
"Sir. He is on blood thinners. He has to be extremely careful with them," she can be heard telling police.
Barmore eventually gets out of the car and is later picked up by his mother.
WBZ security analyst Ed Davis, former Boston police commissioner, explained regardless of who the driver is, an unregistered car can no longer be driven. "The bottom line is you have to have a registered motor vehicle. So, the officers did their job," Davis said.
Providence Police response
Providence police issued a statement following Barmore's social media post.
"The Providence Police Department takes all concerns from the public very seriously and with the utmost professionalism. In this particular case, the vehicle in question was found to be unregistered during a routine traffic stop, which is a violation of the law. The officer acted in full compliance with department protocols and state regulations," the department said. "We understand that any encounter with law enforcement can be stressful, however, it's important to note that officers are required to enforce all applicable laws, including those related to vehicle registration. We will continue to review the situation to ensure that proper procedures were followed and to maintain transparency with the public."
Patriots' response
The Patriots have not yet commented on the incident.
Head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about the incident during his news conference Wednesday.
"We're aware of the situation. I had a conversation with him this morning. At least for this time here with you guys, I want to focus on Jacksonville," Mayo said.
Barmore issues apology
Barmore apologized to the Providence police on X on Saturday morning.
"A few days have gone by since the incident with the Providence police and I have had a chance to deeply reflect on my behavior. I want everyone to know that I'm sorry and I take full accountability for my actions. I apologize to the Providence Police Department , my teammates, and my family," Barmore posted. "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."
He said that he had met with the department in person to apologize.
"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."
The police union representing the Providence officers involved in the traffic stop asked Barmore to "publicly rescind his false accusations" and issue a public apology earlier in the week.
"Last night, unfortunately, a member of the New England Patriots decided to publicly, on social media, falsely accuse officers of the Providence Police Department of unprofessionalism and racism. Such accusations are not taken lightly," the Providence Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3 said in a statement on Facebook.
The union said its executive board viewed the body camera footage and supports the actions taken by the officers.
"The situation would have and could have been nothing more than a routine traffic stop but not for the uncooperative and argumentative behavior of the driver towards the police officers, which ultimately escalated the atmosphere of the stop," the union said.
Who is Christian Barmore?
Barmore is in his fourth season with the Patriots after being drafted in the second round in 2021.
He agreed to a four-year contract extension worth up to $92 million in April. Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots in July and has not played this season.
Barmore is the latest Patriots player to experience legal troubles. Team captain Jabrill Peppers was arrested last week on assault and battery and drug charges. He was subsequently placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List and is not eligible to practice with the team or attend games.
