NEW YORK -- Former tennis star James Blake was mistakenly thrown to the ground and handcuffed by the New York Police Department on Wednesday, according to The New York Daily News.
Blake, who retired from tennis in 2013, spoke to The New York Daily News to tell his side of the story. The NYPD was not quoted in the article, but it released a statement Wednesday evening.
"Today James Blake was detained by police in midtown Manhattan in regards to an ongoing investigation into fraudulently purchased cell phones, after being misidentified by a cooperating witness," police said in a statement. "Once Blake was properly identified and found to have no connection to the investigation, he was released from police custody immediately. In regards to the alleged improper use of force, the Police Commissioner directed the internal affairs bureau to investigate."
Blake, 35, was standing outside the Grand Hyatt on East 42 St. at roughly noon. When Blake saw someone charging him, he said he thought the man was someone looking to give him a hug. Instead, Blake said that the officer, who wasn't wearing a badge, threw him onto the sidewalk.
For more on this story, visit CBSSports.com.
