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FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2013 file photo, James Blake reacts during a first round match against Ivo Karlovic, of Croatia, at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York.  Officials say firefighters have found three bodies in a burning mansion owned by a Blake in Tampa. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Spokeswoman Cristal Bermudez Nunez says the home is owned by James Blake, once ranked fourth in the world. She says neighbors have told detectives that Blake hasn’t lived in the house for a while and was renting it out. She also says detectives haven’t talked with Blake yet. Blake’s agent, Carlos Fleming, says the former tennis player is not in Florida. Authorities say the fire was reported to them at 6 a.m. Firefighters were still on the scene midmorning Wednesday, May 7, 2014.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2013 file photo, James Blake reacts during a first round match against Ivo Karlovic, of Croatia, at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York. Officials say firefighters have found three bodies in a burning mansion owned by a Blake in Tampa. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Spokeswoman Cristal Bermudez Nunez says the home is owned by James Blake, once ranked fourth in the world. She says neighbors have told detectives that Blake hasn’t lived in the house for a while and was renting it out. She also says detectives haven’t talked with Blake yet. Blake’s agent, Carlos Fleming, says the former tennis player is not in Florida. Authorities say the fire was reported to them at 6 a.m. Firefighters were still on the scene midmorning Wednesday, May 7, 2014.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Video Released of James Blake's Detention by New York City Police

Adam WellsSep 11, 2015

A video of former tennis star James Blake being mistakenly arrested by New York City Police officers Wednesday has been released.

Ryan Ruggiero of CNBC posted the full 28-second clip from the New York Police Department:

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According to the New York Daily Newsofficers mistook Blake for a person who was suspected of identity theft, and he was held for 15 minutes before being released. 

"It was definitely scary and definitely crazy," Blake told the Daily News. "In my mind, there's probably a race factor involved, but no matter what, there's no reason for anybody to do that to anybody."

The report also noted Blake was seeking an apology and wanted to know the officers involved were properly punished.  

Daniel Kaplan of the SportsBusiness Journal provided a statement from Blake on what he'd like to see come from this incident:

"

Just before noon on Wednesday, September 9, 2015, while I was standing on a sidewalk outside my hotel in midtown Manhattan waiting for a car to take me to the U.S. Open, a plainclothes New York City Police officer tackled me to the ground, handcuffed me, paraded me down a crowded sidewalk, and detained me for ten minutes before he and his four colleagues realized they had the wrong man. The officer, who was apparently investigating a case of credit card fraud, did not identify himself as a member of law enforcement, ask my name, read me my rights, or in any way afford me the dignity and respect due every person who walks the streets of this country. And while I continue to believe the vast majority of our police officers are dedicated public servants who conduct themselves appropriately, I know that what happened to me is not uncommon.  

When this incident was reported in the news media, Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Bratton both called me to extend their personal apologies, and I greatly appreciate those gestures. But extending courtesy to a public figure mistreated by the police is not enough. As I told the Commissioner, I am determined to use my voice to turn this unfortunate incident into a catalyst for change in the relationship between the police and the public they serve. For that reason, I am calling upon the City of New York to make a significant financial commitment to improving that relationship, particularly in those neighbourhoods where incidents of the type I experienced occur all too frequently. The Commissioner has agreed to meet with my representatives and me to discuss our ideas in that regard, and we very much look forward to that meeting. 

"

NYPD commissioner William Bratton issued a statement apologizing to Blake for the incident through the department's official website

"

I spoke to Mr. Blake a short time ago and personally apologized for yesterday's incident. Mr. Blake indicated he would be willing to meet with the Internal Affairs Bureau as our investigation continues. Additionally, he said he would be returning the Mayor's earlier phone call to speak to him. Mr. Blake said he would like to meet with the Mayor and me at a future date, which we would be agreeable to.

"

Per CNN.com, one of the undercover officers involved has been placed on desk duty. However, Blake made it clear Saturday he wants more serious action taken against the officer who tackled him.

"I don't think this person should ever have a badge or a gun again," Blake said, via the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com). He added: "I don't think it's too much to ask."

Blake was in New York to make a corporate appearance at the U.S. Open, per the Daily News report. He retired from playing tennis professionally in 2013 at the age of 33. He won 10 career singles titles and reached No. 4 in the world rankings. 

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