MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) — New England Patriots cornerback
Ty Law was arrested after he allegedly led police on a brief foot
chase.
Law was driving his 2004 Rolls-Royce early Saturday morning in
the South Beach section of the city when an officer flagged him
down for a lane violation, Miami Beach police said.
The 30-year-old Pro Bowl player and former Michigan football
star initially pulled over, but police said he sped off, prompting
them to chase him about half a block until he stopped again.
He then ran away from officers again but they caught up to him
after a short chase. According to police, Law told the two officers
“not to touch him because he is a professional
athlete.”
Law was charged with failure to obey a police officer and
resisting an officer, both misdemeanors.
“He didn’t want to go to jail, and he didn’t
want the police to tell him what to do. And that was the
problem,” police spokesman Bobby Hernandez said Sunday.
“He decided that he’s above the law and he’s
not, and that’s why he was arrested.”
Law was taken to the Miami-Dade County Jail after his arrest and
released early Saturday on $1,500 bond.
When reached at his home by The Associated Press, Law declined
comment and referred calls to his attorney.
Patriots spokesman Stacey James said the team was “aware
of the reports. We’re going to work internally to gather more
information.”
In December 2000, U.S. Customs officials found several Ecstasy
pills in Law’s bag after he was leaving Canada with two other
players.
Law said the drug belonged to his cousin, but paid a $700
administrative fine at the scene and was released.
Last month, Law said he no longer wanted to play for the
Patriots because of “irreconcilable differences” caused
by a contract dispute.