Former Tennis Star James Blake Was Beaten By New York City Police

Former Tennis Star James Blake Was Beaten By New York City Police

BHR Hollywood Reports........New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton said he apologized Thursday to former tennis star James Blake, who was mistakenly tackled and handcuffed by police in a sting operation that went awry outside a Manhattan hotel Wednesday.

James Blake

"I spoke to Mr. Blake a short time ago and personally apologized for yesterday's incident," Bratton said in a statement.

While waiting for his car service, Blake noticed a man in plain clothes charging at him.

James Blake Beaten By Police

 For a split second, Blake thought it was a fan or possibly someone he knew in the past.

 However, the person running in his direction wasn’t looking for a hug.

All of sudden, Blake was tackled by the guy and slammed to the pavement.
 Without asking any questions, the man told Blake to remain quiet.

New York Police

Blake realized the man was a cop only after several other officers surrounded him on the street as he was being handcuffed.

The former tennis star asked why he was being apprehended, but the officers never gave him an answer as to why he was being detained.

Blake, who suffered several bruises including a swollen eye, was in cuffs for about one minute before one officer recognized him.

 He was eventually allowed to leave.

The officer who initially slammed Blake to the ground never apologized for his actions.