Bengals defensive end Sam Montgomery was pulled over early Wednesday morning when L.Cpl. R.S. Salter clocked him driving 89 mph in a 55 mph zone. Once Salter pulled him over, the South Carolina state trooper turned into a real asshole. Montgomery was berated, handcuffed, put in the back of a patrol car, and taken to jail. Under South Carolina law, officers can make an arrest for speeding over 25 mph the posted limit. So, Montgomery was booked and released later that day with a $355 citation. Despite the legality of the arrest, Salter was suspended without pay the next day.
It's pretty clear to see why, too. As soon as Salter approaches the vehicle, he asks Montgomery if he is in the military. Salter says he's not military, but he is in the NFL. Salter's response is quick: "NFL? You're under arrest ... step out, please." Montgomery steps out and is incredibly, ridiculously polite as Salter gets more and more aggressive, at one point threatening to use a stun gun on the former Texans draft pick.
While there are some cordial moments later in the recording, the beginning of the stop is tense, with Salter at one point threatening to use a stun gun on Montgomery.
"Do not move. Look away from me. Look away. Look away. Keep your feet together. Sir, if you cannot follow my commands, the next thing you're going to get is a tazer. Spread your feet," said Salter in the video.
"Whoa, I'm not causing any problems," said Montgomery.
Salter was suspended and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety noted that while he was legally authorized to arrest Montgomery, it is a discretionary arrest and Salter's "behavior during the traffic stop of Mr. Montgomery was not representative of the professionalism displayed by our troopers and officers every day around the state."
For some reason Salter's wife spoke on behalf of her husband and claimed he had no idea Montgomery was an NFL player, which was obviously a lie.
Montgomery has had a weird path in the NFL. He was released by the Texans during the 2013 season and reports initially claimed it was for marijuana use. He and his agent vehemently denied those reports and claimed it was for the murkier violation of team rules. He then went to Oakland where he injured his knee in his first practice. He's now hoping to catch on with the Bengals.
h/t Jeff
Dash Cam Shows NFL Player's Arrest in Laurens Co. [Fox Carolina]