The bodyguard of undefeated boxer Terence Crawford has filed a lawsuit claiming that Omaha police officers violated the constitutional rights of Crawford, himself, and two passengers during a traffic stop last September. According to the complaint, the four were held at gunpoint for roughly 30 minutes, despite having committed no violent offenses. The stop occurred less than 12 hours after nearly 65,000 Omaha residents celebrated Crawford’s victory parade, where the boxer was honored with the key to the city. Police stated Crawford had been driving at twice the speed limit.
In the lawsuit, bodyguard Qasim Shabazz says he immediately informed officers that he was carrying a firearm, as required by law. Officers then drew their weapons and aimed them at Crawford, Shabazz, and the two passengers. Shabazz claims he refused an order to hand over his gun, fearing he would be shot if he reached for it. All three plaintiffs remained handcuffed for about half an hour and endured what they describe as public humiliation while being recorded. Shabazz’s firearm was confiscated, and Crawford was later charged with careless driving, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The lawsuit, filed in Nebraska federal court, names the city of Omaha and 15 police officers, including those involved in the stop and the police chief. It cites violations of the Fourth Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, and the use of excessive force. Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for physical, emotional, and psychological harm, along with counseling and medical expenses, punitive damages, and a declaratory judgment regarding discriminatory traffic stops and the use of force against lawfully armed individuals. Their attorney stated that the case also challenges racial discrimination in policing and the anxiety African-Americans face during routine traffic stops.
The legal action comes shortly after Crawford’s high-profile victory over Canelo Álvarez, which brought him over $100 million in career earnings and a record of 42-0, though he was recently stripped of the undisputed super middleweight title for unpaid fees. The City of Omaha has not issued a comment on the lawsuit.