Omaha’s night of celebration for super middleweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford took an unexpected turn when the boxing star was involved in a late-night traffic stop downtown, hours after a parade and birthday event honoring him.
The incident has sparked questions, official responses, and calls for accountability, with Crawford’s team publicly disputing some aspects of the police account.
The Omaha Police Account
According to KETV/ABC7, an Omaha police officer reported that as Crawford reached for documents, including his license and registration, a firearm was spotted near his feet. The officer reportedly instructed Crawford to remain still.
“He wasn’t reaching for any gun while holding his hands up,” Crawford asserted during the confrontation, according to the report.
KETV also stated that police handcuffed everyone accompanying Crawford at gunpoint, heightening the tension of the encounter.
Crawford’s Team Responds
The champion’s head of security, Qasim Shabazz, offered a starkly different account. He told KETV that Crawford never attempted to retrieve any documents, as he had left them at home.
“He had already told them. So there was no reason for him to reach for anything,” Shabazz explained.
He also confirmed that both he and Crawford had disclosed their firearms in accordance with Nebraska law, but stated that the situation quickly escalated.
“Bud said, ‘I have a firearm too.’ The cop on his side — he went ballistic. Totally unhinged. He says, ‘Get your hands up. Get out of the car. Don’t reach, don’t reach.’ But there was never a physical gun in sight,” Shabazz said.
“Everyone thought we were going to die, man.”
Shabazz also disputed claims of speeding, noting that Crawford asked the officer:
“Well, how do you know I was speeding if you don’t have radar?”
According to the Crawford team member, the officer allegedly admitted on camera:
“I cannot — I admit that I do not have radar.”
Mayor John Ewing Speaks Out
Mayor John Ewing issued a personal statement following the traffic stop, emphasizing both Crawford’s safety and community trust:
“I learned Omaha police pulled over Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford on a traffic stop downtown early this morning. After learning of this, I spoke personally to Bud Crawford. I acknowledge the seriousness of what occurred and how trust between law enforcement and our community is important and shows the need to be continuously vigilant about building relationships.”
Ewing expressed support for a full investigation:
“Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer has pledged an internal investigation, which I support and want to be full and thorough. We will gather all the facts and be transparent with the public about our findings.”
The mayor also reflected on the celebratory events before the stop:
“Understand that my heart dropped in learning of this end to an otherwise wonderful day and evening celebrating our city’s world boxing champion. We held a great parade and a great event at Heartland of America Park. The evening birthday party at Steelhouse, which I and members of my team attended, was a showing of joy and pride.
“Omaha needs to remember this important day as a good one while we seek answers to how it ended.”
Ewing concluded with a reminder for the community:
“Meanwhile, we must ensure that every resident, no matter who they are, feels safe and respected in Omaha.”
Why This Story Matters
The stop has highlighted broader questions about policing practices, public safety, and interactions with high-profile figures. The differing accounts from Omaha Police and Crawford’s team underscore the importance of transparency, video review, and accountability in law enforcement procedures.
For the city, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between celebrating local heroes and maintaining public trust. For Crawford, a global sports icon and hometown hero, it was a jarring contrast to a day meant for celebration and pride.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.