Tyreek Hill Admits Verbal Abuse in Divorce Trial, Changes Testimony on Physical Altercation
NFL player Tyreek Hill acknowledged verbally abusing his wife but disputed claims of physical violence during his ongoing divorce proceedings.
NFL free agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill testified on Friday that he verbally abused his wife, Lakeeta Vaccaro, but denied physically harming her during their divorce battery trial. Hill's testimony came after he altered his account of an incident where he previously admitted to pushing Vaccaro, which he now claims was caused by a door.
During cross-examination, attorneys for Vaccaro pressed Hill on his previous statements. On Thursday, Hill had testified that he pushed Vaccaro against a wall, creating a hole in the wall as he tried to get her off him. On Friday, he stated that the hole was made by a door as he attempted to evade Vaccaro.
Vaccaro's attorneys also questioned Hill about his use of insulting language towards his wife and friends. Hill acknowledged the severity of his language, stating, "The language was terrible. Was terrible. I wish I could have been better in every single moment, but I'm not perfect." He added, "The only thing I can do is learn from it and move forward and never talk to my co-parent like that again."
The defense attorneys also sought to impeach Hill's testimony regarding other matters, including claims that Vaccaro was responsible for a house fire and for his performance decline in games. Hill's explanations for these claims were challenged, with attorneys pointing out that the fire was caused by a child playing with a lighter and that his on-field performance was influenced by factors like the quarterback and coaching staff.
Hill admitted to emotionally hurting his wife at times, including moments captured on nanny camera footage. However, when asked if he intended to break Vaccaro mentally, Hill responded, "That's not what I wanted to do, bro."
The trial in Miami-Dade County court is ongoing and is scheduled to reconvene on Monday.