The League

I sympathize with the Moats family and the officer.

Moats ran a red light, failed to stop when the officer chased him. What was the officer suppose to think as he chased Moats? I'm positive the officer's adrenaline was running during the pursuit and possibly thoughts the driver maybe armed and dangerous. But because Moat's drove to the hospital and his mother-in-law was dying, it's ok to run red lights and not stop when an officer turns on the lights and sirens?

I'm amazed by this whole situation! DC area cops shoot people all the time without consequence. They kill dogs for fun. Yet, I've never heard of a DC area cop apologizing for anything! If this had happened in DC, MD, or VA, no one would have cared. It's standard procedure for DC area cops. Maybe I need to move somewhere else. AMAZING!!!

Obviously, there were legal counsels involved on both sides; and possibly (who knows?) - the NAACP, The Women's Cancer Association (the mother in law died from breast cancer), Moats NFL organization, the public's response by contacting the Dallas police department bombarded with their outrage. Powell also had death threats. Of course the heat by all this will cause for Powell's "so-called" resignation. With all the publicity on the news about Powell's actions and how it was recorded on tape from start to finish, the Moats were probably told by their counsel to accept Powell's apology. If any of you watched GMA, Moats allowed his wife to do all the talking. Why? It was so obvious on Moat's face how sad, frustrated, and distraught to talk and say anything knowing that he did not have that last moment with his mother in law. To this day, Powell has not directed his apology in person to the Moat's Family. This entire drama ended quietly and quickly to avoid the media circus. Trust me, this was a quick settlement and nuff is said.

Racist or not, Powell acted inappropriately under any circumstance. If he has any conscience at all he will carry this incident with him the remainder of his life.
To pull a gun on a family who has made it clear they need to get inside the hospital ASAP is unconscionable.

I am a white woman living in Phoenix and I find that police officers can be very officious. Better training would be a starting point.

In regards to this being related to Moats color? You could dispute it all you want, but I believe Powell is a Racist. This is NOT the century of No color....people are stil biased, except they don't express it out loud.You think if it was a white couple he'd act the same way?

Regarding why they weren't at his mother in law's bedside. If anyone questioning this would have kept up with the news, they would have found out that she was suffering from terminal breast cancer and they had moved her from La. to Baylor/Plano to be closer to home. Also, she'd been in the hospital for close to 3 weeks. When you're in a hospital for 3 weeks and are attending to a loved one, you "burn out," That is, you get tired of eating hospital cafeteria food, no showers, sleeping/reclining in a visiting chair, trying to put on a positive face while a loved one's health slowly declines.

I know, because my own mother diead of pancreatic cancer, and you never know when they're going to go. They linger, because they want to live to see their grandkids, or their children..

And with breat cancer, you don't just die of breast cancer, it spreads to the soft tissue organs of your body, or else the bones, so it can be especially painful.

So, all you high and mighty types that would say they would pull over in the middle of the night, do you think Powell would have let them go? If they were already in a Hospital parking lot and he was being a Bad Ass even when the Nurse Supervisor had come down?

Much less if they were in some deserted part of town at 2:00 a.m.? Powell is a jerk who deserved to be fired. I just wonder how many times he's done this. As you already know, he issued 5 tickets, handcuffed and put Zach Thomas' wife in jail for an illegal U-Turn. Way to go Officer Powell.

Also, why did they let Jerry Jones go through red lights when he was late on his way to a baptism in Dallas? Works both ways shouldn't it?

I would say he's a "Barney Fife" type--but that would be insulting Don Knotts who portrayed Barney Fife. Maybe Gomer Pyle--or Jim Nabors.

Anyway, I hope they post where Officer Powell goes, because I want to avoid that crappy little redneck North Texas town that hires him...and they most certainly will, bank on it.

My no means am I condoning Officer Powell's actions, however, Ryan Moats bears a degree of responsibility. Moats ran a red light putting other lives in danger because he was driving on emotion instead of good sense. I live in Dallas, and less than a year ago (June 27, 2008) a family of 5 including 3 small children where killed by a speeder running a red light. It is a dangerous act. Mr. Moats could have killed someone and has no regrets about his careless action that lead to him being stopped by the police. He deserved to be stopped, and had he followed the instructions of the officer to begin with, the situation would not have escalated as it had. He is a professional athlete with the attitude that he is above the law.

Posted by: Shenan45 | April 1, 2009 5:19 PM
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Apples to oranges. That guy was a bad driver from another state (not that familiar with Dallas), and I believe was speeding, hit a pole and lost control. Moats ran lights but was not out of control nor has he been identified as a bad driver.

Come on people....first and foremost, color be damned, Moats (1) ran a red light (2) refused to stop, (3)was uncooperative to a point, (4) his wife jumped out of the car and disregarded the officers commands. The officer at that point had no idea what was going on and all the commotion are exactly the situations that get officers killed protecting us.

That being said there are other dashcam videos of stops by Officer Powell where he is harrassing white folks(I'm a white folk) so I don't think he is racially motivated. I think Officer Powell has a bit of a power trip related to his job and abused that power. He should not have been subject to lose his job because he did nothing procedurally wrong. But it did expose this officer for abusing power across the board. The scary thing is by resigning he keeps his TCLEOSE certification which is what you need to be a peace officer in the state of Texas.

But let's don't act like Moats wasn't in the wrong. It is a hugely sad thing that he wasn't there when the mother-in-law passed, but he was in the wrong for his part.

Also, why weren't they there when the loved one died? Maybe they had been there and were going home for the first time in days? Maybe mom suddenly took a turn for the worst. This happened to my family with my dad. We had been there 24/7 with him, we go home and he passed. Who are you to judge what happened in this situation and call this family out? Check your six people.

Why were they rushing to the hospital last minute? Is this something that just happened or has she been in the hospital? If she has been in the hospital they should have been by her side in the first place. From the stories i have read she was already in there. They should have already been there if it were that important...Not to sound un-human or anything...but man!

Well I have been reading the comments...I usually dont post but this is ridiculous.

He was in no way racist. The officer was wrong with his threats but thats about it. I was reading about someone saying that people handle things differently in these types of situations. Nobody is above the law even if your think the circumstances were suffice enough. And if you cant make proper decisions then you shouldnt be on the road no matter what!

I feel bad for the Moats family, but in the same breath if he would have pulled over then the chances of him being released immediately would have been increased by 100%.

After watching the video the cop seemed as if he was upset for being ignored. By ignoring the police lights he looked suspect, regardless if he was turning towards a hospital or not! If Moats would have pulled over...waited patiently for 30 seconds for the officer to approach the vehicle and then explained the severity of the situation then he would have been immediately released (45 sec VS. 13 min....what would you choose?). If 60 seconds would have been the determining factor if you were able to see a dying family member then it just wasnt meant to be. I am from african descent and was pulled over for something similar when my dad was dying. Lights came on, stopped, acted appropriately without blurting...officer released me and told me to be safe. Racism had not part in this situation. Quite frankly I get sick and tired of the whole race card. Drop it, forget it! We now live in the century of NO COLOR. An officer can arrest someone but cant convict them. The laws, constitution, etc is the same for every race, and courts DONT see color. They base a decision on FACTS.

To all who say that this is a race issue, think about it...how was he racist? He overexercised his power and should have lost his job for doing so. Powell was very unprofessional, but Moats was completely wrong for not stopping in the first place. Again if he would have stopped then it would have escalated as it did. See lights, pull over, explain your situation and you get to go about your way. If he would have stopped then the officer would have probably offered to escort him in. Moats caused this by not going by the rules, so the officer went by the rules (powell did over-exercise his power though).

Rmember! You can think cops are racist and we can argue statistics all day. When it comes down to it convictions are in court, and that is fair! Dont put yourself in a bad situation as Moats did. He should of stopped for the officer immediately and it would have never been an issue. Let me stress again...I think Powell was wrong for the comments about the towing and going to jail but Moats already made him mad by not stopping. I can understand both sides, but I lean towards powell.

I was a Security Officer on & off for 37 years. It was becoming quite obvious to me during my last five years of service that it was advisable ( off the record ) to avoid sensitive situations involving Black Americans. It seemed that even if I was right , there was political fallout. Consequently, I began to look the other way and even when a Black person violated a law, I looked the other way so as to keep my job. Now I am retired and am reclusive because I'm very displeased with the way American society has become. I won'y even volunteer for anything including Jury Duty. I voted for Obama so I'm not a racist but America has changed alot in many ways and not for the best. Ron Klimmek (U.S. Army Vietnam Vet )

I read a couple of comments and well...let's be real. The guy is a racist pig and should have been fired. Anyone that thinks otherwise may need to take a long look in the mirror at self and perform some clean up. I was harrassed several months ago by a racist houston police cop. I took the ticket to court and the officer lied every single chance he got. He tried to portray me as an angry black woman and guess what the jury believed him. They sided with him. To my disappointment...the policeman lied about every single detail just to win. During the entire incident of the ticket, I was afraid, fearful for my life and nothing short of polite and coorperative. All i wanted to do was get my ticket and get away from him safely as quickly as possible.

So when do citizens black, white, hispanic, etc or whatever have to be fearful of the cops? When I saw the video tape...I wasn't shocked or surprised. I recalled how the Houston police officer had treated me. Swinging my door open and threatening to arrest me on my lunch break as I traveled to target to buy a ballet dress for my daughter. So to all the people that have been wrongfully mistreated by a policeman...this should be some sense of justice. Office Powell has done far worse than the video of Ryan Moats...that was just the one that was caught on film!

The way I see it, the officer was doing his job, BUT, when he found out this was not a criminal fleeing or someone who was a danger to him, when two nurses came down and pleaded with him to let the man go to the dying relative, and even after a fellow police officer tried to intervene, this officer still continued on with this behavior, he still acted in a cold, callous, inhumane manner. He is an embarrassment and he should resign. I am glad he did, even though he will end up on another police force, he will get what is coming to him, you reap what you sow and I am a firm beleiver in Karma!!!

To 23746
You are right that at first Mr. Powell did not know what he had. Certainly he did what he was taught to do. But after a nurse and a fellow officer got to the scene and told Powell what was going on, that is where things got out of hand. Theatening someone with jail for running a red light. Nonsense!! Powell should have keep his cool, been much more polite once things cooled down. If Powell thought it was necessary to hang paper on Moats then follow him to the hospital room, give him the ticket and go on. Powell obviously forgot he was on video. What an idiot. If I was his supervisor I would have given him 10 days without pay and send him back to FTO. Unfortunately the video was just too outrageous to save this guys butt. Moats mom died and he could not be with her in her last minutes. You cant get that back. If you support Powell's actions you should have to go to back to FTO school too.

Everyone should understand a couple of key points to this story. I speak with some knowledge in that I was a police officer for 10 years and now I am a defense atty. 1. Mr. Moats never made his NFL position an issue. He never told the officer that he was a football player. 2. If the incident was not caught on video I am willing to bet that the officer would have said nothing like that ever happened. 3. Officers are trained to deal with situations like that but some harbor ugly feelings and have huge egos. Mr. Powell should have been fired. Unfortunately he will be hired in some other city and the problem will continue un-noticed by the press. Powell should be jailed for what he did.

To adobeman.
You are missing the point...I'm not condoning or condeming his behavior, I just don't think race played into it. And if you want to drag the age old accusation of racial profiling, you're asking for trouble. Proportionately, who commits more crime? Blacks and Hispanics. Like it or not, it's a fact. The jails are full of them. Hence, there is a higher degree of probability if criminal behavior when they get pulled over. Do you see Asians being "racially profiled? NO! Why? Maybe because they do not commit a large number of crimes. If green people were always commiting crimes and filling our prisons, they would be "profiled". So, back to the subject at hand...I think this officer would have acted the same way with an Asian or a Caucasian.

Any police "officer" ( well balanced honest officer) would have immediately used his or her common sense. It is always the "cops" ( out of control hot heads with a big ego's ) who have a power trip and boasts behind the badge who give disrespect and disgrace to the entire force. After watching the tape you can clearly see flashers blinking, arm signaling, and other driver compliance. Once Moats drives into the hospital and gives the reason for his behavior the cop should have been compassionate to the situation. It is this kind of cop that keeps distance between civilians and police "officers". You are always in fear you will get the cop not the police officer. In the academy do they not teach what that important word emplies? "Officer" wow, what an honor and priviledge, the highest regard and compliment to honesty and integrity in a person. I love our police "officers". I pray them safe everyday. This driver could have been Indian, Hispanic, White, Asian and it would have made no difference. It was the "attitude" of the cop to win. His reward is the power trip and inforcing the tickets he writes. Race though does happen from the few bad cops but in this case it would not have mattered. A police officer not only would have let Moats and family proceed but probably enter the hospital with them as well. That would have shown true respect and compliment the efforts and common sense of the police department.
Mr. Powell did not resign. He got caught and knew what he did was out of line and wrong. The department gave Mr. Powell the option to resign so they did not have to fire him. It looks better when going to the next department for a job. I hope this inccident follows and preceeds Mr. Powell's future. He should never be allowed to ever be called an "officer" of the law.

This guy acted like a power hungry idiot and a bully. Dallas (and potentially the rest of the USA) is better off not having him as a police officer. Based on the reports, this is not the first time this guy has been involved in these sorts of incidents. The Dallas Police Department did the right thing and they deserve credit. Make no mistake, he didn't resign -- this jerk was fired. Up until two days ago he was terrified about being fired -- then today he resigns. I don't buy it -- he got fired and rightly so.

To former officer Powell, good riddance. You are an insensitive moron and gave a lot of good police officers around the country a very bad name.

I am appalled that the PP1 didn't back up this officer for DOING HIS JOB!!!!! How was the officer supposed to know who this guy Moats was if he wasn't willing to stand still and show ID? How did the officer know he wasn't trying to get away from a real crime by lying, is this so far fetched that none of you understand where this guy was in his head? He saw a guy run a stop sign and then act irrationally jumping around and screaming, but not doing as the officer asked. I would have done the same thing. I don't think he pulled his gun for fun, he had to be taught in academy that irrational behavior usually means something bad has happened. For this officer to have to leave his job and go into hiding is surreal. I'm not sure it would have happened had the driver been white.

Texas2009...Yes, unfortunately, this IS a Racial thing. I live in San Antonio, TX and there is a thing called, DWH...Driving While Hispanic.

According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, which was following up on complaints lodged with the Texas Legislature on racially-based polcing. Officially required data reported showing that 2/3's of law enforcement agencies searched minorities at higher rates. Blacks at 71% and Hispanics at 90%.

Also, minorieites were more like to be subject of "consent searches," where searches are asked to voluntarily give up their 4th Amendment. These searches are kind of like, "well, what's going on here? You all don't mind if we take a look in your car do you?"

Whats the problem with consent searches? They're really not consent searches because if you refuse, then the arresting officer can hold you until a drug-sniffing
dog arrives, which could take hours. Also, the person can be arrested for a fine-only offense. When asked to consent to a search, you either waive your rights or prepare to be punished.

This is what happened to NFL player, Zach Thomas' wife, a Hispanic Pharmacist who was handcuffed, taken to jail and given 5 tickets by Officer Powell, all for making an illegal U turn. She also was threatened with an overnight stay at the jail, though it turned into 3 hours. The Dallas Police Dept. and/or Officer Powell must have an awful lot of time on his hands to do all this for an illegal u turn.

So, back to the RACIAL thing in Texas,and officer Powell stopping Ryan Moats-- although the police/sheriff/DPS/ arrested minorities at higher rates, 58% were more likely to find contraband among Anglo (white) drivers.

The scary part, is that Officer Powell is now Ex-Officer Powell, that is, until he moves on to some other little redneck town in North Texas, and starts his "polcing" in the same manner that he used on the citizens of Dallas. Still not convinced? Google Thulia, TX and that will be another fine example of the state of affairs of police work in Texas.

Have any of you that said Moats put people in jeopardy actually viewed the police video? He clearly stops then proceeds through the light once he confirms that it is clear. The fact that he's a football player has nothing to do with it either. Had he been a white football player the officer would have handled it differently. This is clearly a race issue.

While it is unfair to paint the entire Dallas Police with this Robert Powell brush, I have little sympathy for the bad press. Many people have been routinely treated by this agency the same way (or worse) but we rarely have a chance to have an audio and video record. I think the Dallas Police public representatives handled this matter very professionally and even Mr. Powell's public comments and apology was were well handled. I would hope that the Dallas Police senior management would look under the covers as this is not an isolated incident. Let's assume most officers are competent and professional, but be assured there are many more that need to find a new profession. Let's get it cleaned up and stop acting like this is a rare event.

Here is the complete video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCNKfYQ0DEg

Everyone here clamoring about Moats running a redlight - he didn't exactly run the redlight.

He had the emergency flashers on, and came onto the intersection, and the other driver who was on the intersection waved him off - knowing it was an emergency.

Before you all shoot off your mouth - know that people react very differently when your loved ones are dying or are in need of emergency care. He didn't blast through a red-light. He pulled up, was waved through and that's about it.

The officer on the other hand was an ass.

Please, the man did not speed through a red light, he stopped and then proceeded when it was safe. You don't read the full article or watch the full video, if you did you wouldn't make such stupid assumptions!!! I am glad he did prceed to the emergency room because it he had stopped earlier this cocky cop would have not only kept him from being by her side but the distance would have been to great for the daughter to be at her moms side as well. Some of you need to step back and think of yourselves in that situation. This cop is supposed to be a professional and should have handled this situation much better. I agree, he should not have a position

Go to the corner and be quiet

>Ryan Moats bears a degree of responsibility. Moats ran a red light putting other lives in danger because he was driving on emotion instead of good sense.

I think most of us can agree the officer had a problem and that this being an incident involving an NFL player put it in the spotlight. For example the news story is the player could not be there for his mother in law rather than his wife couldn't be there for her mother. That being said I work in a medical center with numerous hospitals and, unfortunately, there are patients dying on a daily basis. Are we to say anyone who has a relative dying can run red lights? Maybe so. But I would say rarely does anyone know exactly when a patient will take their last breath with the exception of someone being taken off life support. The officer apologized. One sport announcer in Houston withed the officer would lose his job. I think the apology was evidence that the officer recognized he had made a mistake. I think if the Moates family is willing to accept it then that is good enough for me.

My no means am I condoning Officer Powell's actions, however, Ryan Moats bears a degree of responsibility. Moats ran a red light putting other lives in danger because he was driving on emotion instead of good sense. I live in Dallas, and less than a year ago (June 27, 2008) a family of 5 including 3 small children where killed by a speeder running a red light. It is a dangerous act. Mr. Moats could have killed someone and has no regrets about his careless action that lead to him being stopped by the police. He deserved to be stopped, and had he followed the instructions of the officer to begin with, the situation would not have escalated as it had. He is a professional athlete with the attitude that he is above the law.

The law is the law and can not be written for all the gray circumstances. That is why we need more police officers that can show a slight amount of judgement in their interpretation of the law. In the handful encounters I've had with the police I've found they (not all....most) have major ego issues even on small matters. I feel bad for the Moats family as well as the officer who lost is job over a night of bad judgement.

Let him go. A stupid, bad cop does not help the Police Department neither the people that he is supposed to SERVE.

To bgreen2224
Oh, here we go with the "racism" thing...you people LOVE to pull out the race card! Give it a rest, will ya? The officer never hinted to any form of racism, that's all in your mind.

bgreen2224 babbles: "Someday we'll confront and eliminate our racism (we could start in the Republican districts and be finished quickly)........That's pretty much the same as saying "All blacks are the same", or "all Hispanics are the same". Showing your superior tolerance, I see. The sad fact is that historically, it's the Democratic party that were the party of slavery. They fought like he11 to keep slavery in the south, and their current giveaway programs are nothing more than another form of slavery, economic slavery. Tying generations of poor people to the government teat, and not really HELPING them get out from under. I'm sure glad that you are so tolerant and non-judgmental. Stereotyping ANY group is really pretty stupid and you, being so superior, should know that.

First, my condolences go out to this couple. How awful to have had that opportunity taken away, but I am very happy that she had the fortitude to ignore this guy and walk in to see her mother. Bravo.

Forgive me, but I do have to say that this would not be news if an NFL player were not involved. I hate sports because anything like this is just SO much worse when it happens to an athlete. (That was supposed to be sarcastic.)

That said, the officer did not handle this well at all. He should have escorted the couple in to verify what was happening. I do think some testosterone was involved on his part which escalated the situation. However, I do believe it is totally unnecessary for him to resign. He did apologize. Also, did you see how young he is? He is still learning and I think another poster's suggestion of reassignment was excellent.

The PD is doing damage control but this cop seemed soo comfortable doing what he was doing that his behavior was probably acceptable to his department in any other case. Moats being an NFL player is the only reason this got national attention otherwise the cops behavior would have been deemed justified and if Moats were not Moats he probably would have been placed under arrest.

The officer will fit right in in Bellaire, TX, a bedroom and racist community near Houston, and unfortunately, many other communities in Texas and across the United States. Someday we'll confront and eliminate our racism (we could start in the Republican districts and be finished quickly). Proud of America are you,Cindy?

To "casualobserver" at 3:12PM:

Your slanted language and invented details leave no doubt about your bias. I get it; you believe that in any dispute between a cop and a citizen, the cop is always right. For your information, there was no high speed chase, no "running" of a light (Moats actually stopped, and your dear friend, the idiot cop, admits he did).
It really is to bad that the idiot had to lose his job, but this is one cut and dried example of someone being unqualified for a position.

I'm not the first to suggest this, but civilian Powell will probably make a fine (unarmed) security guard.

The supposed "chase" lasted all of 20 seconds, at a low rate of speed with hazards blinking. He was already on the hospital compound. He proceeded through the red light with his hazards on very slowly, and only after another motorist with the right of way waved him through. Police officers are trained to handle people who are under stressful situations and are instructed on how to keep a situation from escalating. Keeping a greiving family from seeing their dying relative while continually threatening them with arrest is not the way to do this. His actions escalated things by making an already horrible situation worse.

I agree, people get killed when running a red light. This situation is a bit different. Mr. Moats reported that he stopped for the red light and check for traffic and proceded through the light with caution. This doesnt make it ok but he wasn't reckless. Should he get a ticket? Absolutely! Should the officer be fire? Absolutely!! Officers of the law are here to protect us and enforce laws (spirit of the law). IMO this officer over stepped his boundaries when after he was told and confirmed the situation, he still proceeded to act in an unprofessional manner.

Intelligence plus character That is the goal of true education.

I am hoping that in the future the DPD will institute some kind of mental evaluation to those they consider hiring to wear the uniform. An interbreeding check wouldn't hurt either. LOL
From my reading of this guys juvenile and racist myspace page it should be deemed a blessing he's out of there before an eventual lawsuit would cost the city of Dallas a big sum. Good riddens to bad rubbish. I hear they are looking for mall cops Powell - perhaps you could get your jollies power tripping over teens.

people get killed running red lights so the policeman was right to stop the car. He was not to swift on picking up what was going on and once the nurse showed up to validate the severe illness he should have just written a ticket (or not) and let Mr Moats park his vehicle and join his family. See the video.

I saw the video of the interaction at the hospital and do not think the officer acted too professionally. However, we seem to ignore the fact that Moats ran a red light and then failed to pull over for the cop. Instead he made the decision to let the cop chase him. So tell me exactly what was the cop to think? He did not have the same infomation as Moats as they were proceeding (speeding) to the hospital nor is it likely he even knew that was where the chase would end or how it would end up. Perhaps if Moats had stopped and told the cop the situation he might have assisted in getting Moats there safely, for himslef and others. There is more to this than the officers conduct and that is Moats conduct in breaking the law and leading the cop on a chase, but hey why consider that?

They may say he "resigned"... but he was fired. As he should have been. It doesn't matter if the family accepted the "apology" written by his lawyer. This loose cannon needs to have a job that involves no weapons, authority, or responsibility. He's a disgrace to the badge.

They already accepted his apology, why let him resign? He should have been demoted and permanently reassigned to a desk in the most humiliating fashion; that is how you teach other abusive police officers a leason.