Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White tweeted Wednesday that he plans to report a Dekalb County (Georgia) police officer, who had his hand on his gun during a routine traffic stop.
In a series of tweets, White said he was stopped for speeding and also had an expired tag, resulting in two tickets. He said he had no problem with the citations but questioned the officer's actions. He tweeted that he would report the officer because "it may save the next black man's life."
This officer got out his car and immediately unbutton his his strap on his gun and put his hand on his gun and came to my car wit his hand
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
On his gun like I was going to do something to him so I asked him why he had his hand on his gun the man said it was police procedure
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
So I said really and he said no it's my procedure I than asked him why do u think I want to hurt you and he had no response I than said
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
It's cops like you that makes this world a very ugly place its a good thing I already had all my information to give him or I could've died
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
On a routine traffic stop cause if u stopping me for speeding I don't see a reason to grab your gun
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016
White, 35, spent 11 seasons with the Falcons and was the franchise's all-time leading receiver. He was released on March 2 with two years remaining on his contract as his role with the team diminished in 2015 under new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
A 2005 first-round draft pick out of Alabama-Birmingham, White has 10,863 career receiving yards on 808 receptions with 63 touchdowns, also a Falcons record. He posted six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2007 to 2012 and twice got at least 100 catches in a season, with 115 in 2010 and 100 in 2011.
ESPN's Vaughn McClure contributed to this report.