By Norm Frauenheim
Terence Crawford’s celebration of a career-long fight for respect took a crazy turn when Omaha honored him with a parade Saturday and held him at gunpoint early Sunday.
Crawford was released and no charges were filed, according to multiple reports which included a statement from Omaha Mayor John Ewing and a promise to investigate from city police Chief Todd Schmaderer.
As of Sunday, Crawford had not commented on what happened early on his birthday and just hours after Omaha gave him a key to the city.
According to social-media reports, Crawford spent his first few hours as a 38-year-old in handcuffs. If accurate, his key to the city wasn’t enough to unlock them.
According to sourced news stories, Crawford’s vehicle was stopped for reckless driving just before 1:30 a.m., Central time. According to reports and posted video, he was the driver. Crawford and three passengers were ordered out of the car at gunpoint after a weapon was seen.
Omaha police issued a statement. Police, it said, stopped a vehicle that was traveling “recklessly.” During the stop, “a firearm on the driver’s side floorboard” was “observed.” For safety, “all four occupants were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint.”
According to the statement, police questioned Crawford and found that he had a legal permit to carry the weapon. A member of Crawford’s security team was among the passengers. According to the police report, he also was found to be carrying a weapon.
“Police have confirmed that all occupants are legally permitted to carry firearms,” the statement said.
Omaha police also confirmed that Crawford requested that a department supervisor and lieutenant be called to the scene.
At the time of the stop, somebody in the vehicle can be heard saying on a social-media post that “I’m not reaching for no gun” as the officer orders them to “step out.’’
According to the video, Crawford – remaining as poised outside of the ring as he is in it — calmly cooperated with every order, including keeping his hands raised above his head. He was cited for reckless driving.
The controversial moment happened after an estimated 100,000 turned out for a parade honoring Crawford for a masterful upset of Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago, Sept. 13. With the victory, he made some history – a third undisputed title at a third weight.
Crawford has long been known for being Omaha’s loyal son. Boxing is populated by prizefighters who leave their roots to live in Vegas or Los Angeles.
But Crawford stayed home, drawing huge crowds in Omaha and nearby Lincoln. Famed billionaire investor Warren Buffett is often seen in a seat alongside Crawford’s many fans for fights in his home state.
Against Canelo, Crawford’s mouthpiece included Nebraska’s red football logo, N, front and center.
Omaha, all of Nebraska, decided to honor Crawford after he honored the city and state with a decision over Canelo that reminds many old-school fans of why boxing was once called The Sweet Science.
Even before the parade, it wasn’t clear what he’ll do next. There might be another bout. Might not. From a farewell fight at the Cornhuskers’ college football stadium in Lincoln to a Canelo rematch or a bid for still another divisional title, the possibilities are a lot like the countless angles on his punches.
Whatever’s next, however, has been complicated, left even more uncertain by questions that just weren’t there on a weekend that began with a celebration stopped in a way neither he nor anybody else could foresee.
