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The Video of James Blake’s Wrongful Arrest is Disturbing

NYPD releases footage of cop viciously throwing tennis star to the ground.

After making a public apology for wrongfully arresting retired tennis star, James Blake, earlier in the week, the NYPD has released footage of the vicious and disturbing incident. 

The video shows plainclothes officer, James Frascatore, ambushing Blake as he stands outside of a New York City hotel. Without warning the officer brutally slams Blake to the ground, puts his knee in the athlete’s back, and proceeds to handcuff him. Several bystanders walk by the arrest, some ignoring it, others look somewhat shocked. 

An elderly woman can be seen walking up to Blake and pointing at him, though it’s unclear if she recognized him, or exchanged words with the officer. 

Blake was apprehended on his way to the U.S. Open, for a contracted appearance. Though the NYPD has a reputation for racial profiling,  police claim Blake’s arrest was nothing more than a case of mistaken identity. However, according to a new report, the alleged theft suspect that police say Blake looked like, isn’t even guilty.

The cop who tackled Blake has been placed on desk duty, pending an investigation. According to the New York Daily News, he's been sued four times for excessive force and wrongful arrest.

BET Sports News — Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports, including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes.

(Photo: NYPD via AP Photo)

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