A police organization has accused a Black NFL player of acting like a “wild animal” during his arrest.

Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates was arrested on Saturday for reportedly refusing to pay a $32 cab bill in Queens, New York, according to CBS Detroit. New York Police Department (NYPD) officers told Bates he would only receive a desk appearance ticket and be released. Bates allegedly became irate while he was being fingerprinted and punched Sergeant James O’Brien in the face. The blow left O’Brien with a concussion, stitches and a black eye.

Officers used a stun gun on Bates, and he was taken to a hospital for a psychological evaluation.

Following the incident, the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) condemned Bates’ behavior on its Twitter page using racist language, reports The Detroit News. The SBA is a union of current and retired NYPD sergeants.

Trevor Bates acted beyond that of a wild animal. He refused to be fingerprinted, showed disdain for the officers & decided to punch a Sgt in the face. Fighting with officers he was tasered & ripped the taser prongs from his body. He’s dog crap and the NFL condones criminals. https://t.co/sAd9rMKWHb

— SBA (@SBANYPD) January 26, 2019

“Trevor Bates acted beyond that of a wild animal,” the tweet reads. “He refused to be fingerprinted, showed disdain for the officers & decided to punch a Sgt in the face. Fighting with officers he was tasered & ripped the taser prongs from his body. He’s dog crap and the NFL condones criminals.”

The tweet drew backlash from critics who accused the SBA of racism.

“Wild animal.” “Dog crap.” And this is coming from an official NYPD Twitter account?! Get control over your emotions. There’s a level of dignity that should be maintained even when you’re upset. Chances are this man is unstable and needs serious help. #TrevorBates
@NYPDONeill

— Alexis Clark (@msabclark) January 27, 2019

“Wild animals” are all the cops who stood around while Panteleo choked out Eric Garner

— ChuckModi (@ChuckModi1) January 28, 2019

Mr. Mullins, since the 1960’s, I have objected when people called police officers “pigs,” even when there was wide evidence of systemic racism. Is it too much to ask that you, who demand respect for officers, also be civil and refrain from calling African-American men “animals?”

— Paul Fitzgerald (@drfitz) January 28, 2019

After colonizing white people have spent centuries dehumanizing people of color, you choose to further dehumanize us by tweeting out TB “acted beyond a wild animal”. Piss poor choice of words when you colonizers are home made terrorist. #childrenofthedevil

— ♊ (@FeliciaVerna) January 27, 2019

IF true, Bates acted like a dangerous moron and he hurt an officer. He'll pay for it with his freedom, in that case. But the language in this tweet is racist, and you guys know plenty about the dehumanization of African-Americans by authorities. You need to take down this tweet.

— Jorge Rivera Marín (@rbc12steps) January 28, 2019

Activist Joo-Hyun Kang, who directs Communities for Police Reform, believes Bates should be held accountable but also said the SBA’s commentary is a prime example of an ongoing issue.

“If the allegations against Bates, including not paying his cab fare are true, he should be held accountable,” she told The New York Times. “But the constant use by NYPD unions of racist dog whistles to dehumanize and criminalize Black communities must be condemned, and end.”

Lions general manager Bob Quinn released a statement acknowledging the arrest but refused to say anything else.

“We are aware of the arrest of Trevor Bates earlier today in New York. We have not spoken to Trevor as of yet and are still in the process of gathering more information. The Detroit Lions will have no further comment at this time,” Quinn said.

Bates is facing several charges including assault, resisting arrest, theft of services and obstructing governmental administration. If convicted, he could receive probation or up to seven years in prison.

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