DOVER, Del. - Newly released body camera footage is raising more questions after a Delaware State lacrosse team was searched for drugs in Georgia.The team was on their way home when their bus was pulled over in Liberty County for an alleged minor traffic violation.In a YouTube video posted by a member of the team, two deputies are seen onboard telling the team they would be searching their luggage. "If there is something in there that is questionable, please tell me now because if we find it, guess what?
We’re not gonna be able to help you," one deputy said. "Marijuana is still illegal in the state of Georgia."A team member says their luggage and belongings were searched during the traffic stop.
Luggage and belongings of all the student-athletes were searched by police and drug-sniffing dogs, according to a letter from the university's president.The search sparked allegations of racial profiling, which the sheriff's department denied.In a statement Tuesday, Georgia Sheriff William Bowman said, "We realize that this current environment, even a traffic stop can be alarming to citizens, especially African Americans."Video released Wednesday appears to contradict the sheriff's comment that no personal belongings were searched.
Deputies can be seen rifling through players' backpacks and bags, even unwrapping gifts from relatives.The sheriff later updated his statement saying, "My comment about personal belongings not being searched referred to the people on the bus and their items with them inside of the vehicle."Newly released bodycam footage raises questions after lacrosse team stopped.