James Blake Releases Statement Concerning Detainment by New York City Police

Former tennis star James Blake has released an official statement two days after he was mistakenly detained by police officers in New York City.

Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal provided Blake's statement Friday:

"

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. 

"

On Wednesday, the New York Daily News reported the officer who arrested him mistakenly thought Blake was a suspect wanted for identity theft. 

The New York Police Department released video of Blake's arrest Friday (via Benjamin Mueller of the New York Times). In the video, the 35-year-old was standing in front of a hotel, and an undercover officer pushed him against a wall before tackling him to the ground.

According to the Associated Press (via ESPN.com), James Frascatore was the officer who arrested Blake and "has a history of excessive-force allegations" on his record.  

NYPD Commissioner William Bratton issued an apology to Blake through the department's official website, stating Blake is "willing" to meet with NYPD's internal affairs office to help with their investigation. 

Blake, who is making appearances in New York during the U.S. Open, was held by officers for about 15 minutes before the situation was cleared up, per the Daily News report. 

Based on the statements from Blake and Bratton, the two sides working in connection with each other to rectify a bad situation and possibly prevent something like it from happening in the future would be a good thing.