Patriots' Christian Barmore accuses police of racism after being pulled over for allegedly driving too slowly

New England Patriots defenseman Christian Barmore accused police officers in Providence, Rhode Island, of “unprofessional racism” after he was stopped early Wednesday morning.

Barmore was reportedly pulled over in Providence at 1 a.m. after police found him “slowly rolling” in his Jeep with tinted windows.

“This tactic is known to police as it slows interaction with police to hide contraband or weapons. “It should also be noted that the area is known for high drug use,” a Providence Police Department report said.

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Defensive tackle Christian Barmore of the New England Patriots runs off the field after sacking Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos and forcing a fumble in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Officers searched Barmore's Jeep and allegedly found an ashtray containing what was believed to be a blunt and unknown substance. According to multiple reports, police also said they found several tubes filled with marijuana. Barmore was charged with driving an unregistered vehicle, displaying license plate fines and driving with an expired license.

After the incident, Barmore criticized the officers who stopped him at the X.

“I just witnessed for the first time (five) Providence police officers very unprofessional racism at its finest,” Barmore wrote.

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The department responded with a statement on Wednesday.

“The Providence Police Department takes all public concerns very seriously and with the utmost professionalism. In this particular case, the vehicle in question was found to be unregistered during a routine traffic stop, which is a violation of the law. The officer acted “in full compliance with department protocols and state regulations,” the department said.

“We understand that any encounter with law enforcement can be stressful. However, it is important to note that officers are required to enforce all applicable laws, including those related to vehicle registration. We will continue to review the situation to ensure proper procedures were followed and maintain transparency with the public.

Christian Barmore of the New England Patriots reacts during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 7, 2023 in Pittsburgh. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

In three seasons, Barmore has totaled 12½ sacks, 133 combined tackles, a forced fumble and 18 tackles for a loss. Barmore just re-signed with New England in April for $92 million over four years. However, he has yet to play in a game this year after being diagnosed with blood clots in July.

NFL Network reported that Barmore had a bruise on the back of his calf that he “kind of thought was nothing,” but Patriots coach Jim Whalen insisted he get it checked out.

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“Had this not been dealt with, it could have been the worst thing for Christian Barmore,” Ian Rapoport said Sunday.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo addressed the situation surrounding Barmore's recent encounter with police at a news conference Wednesday ahead of his team's upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

“We are aware of the situation. I had a conversation with him this morning. At least for this time here with you, I want to focus on Jacksonville,” Mayo said.

Christian Barmore of the New England Patriots on the bench during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Barmore is the latest Patriots player to have off-field trouble with law enforcement this month. Defenseman and team captain Jabrill Peppers was arrested last week on assault, battery and drug charges. Peppers was placed on the commissioner's exempt list and is not eligible to practice with the team or participate in games.

Peppers, 29, is accused of assaulting his girlfriend after she reportedly received a phone call while the two were in bed. According to court documents, police were called to a home early Saturday morning for reports of an altercation.

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