Tyreek Hill appeared relaxed in court on Wednesday as the civil trial involving his estranged wife, Lakeeta Vaccaro Hill, entered its second day in Miami.
The NFL wide receiver was seen grinning and giving a thumbs-up as the judge returned to the courtroom following a break.
Hill then stood as the judge took his place before sitting down as proceedings resumed.
Hill and Vaccaro have been embroiled in a contentious legal dispute stemming from allegations of abuse during their 17-month marriage.
Vaccaro, the sister of former NFL player Kenny Vaccaro, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. Hill has strongly denied the allegations.
Judge Shown Nanny Camera Footage
The trial opened on Tuesday with the court being shown footage recorded by a nanny camera during an alleged incident involving Hill, Vaccaro and her mother in 2024.
The Miami judge did not permit reporters to broadcast the footage.
However, Cathy Russon, managing editor of Law&Crime/Court TV, provided a description of what was shown in court.
According to Russon, the footage showed the couple’s daughter, Capri, who was born in November 2024.
Vaccaro could allegedly be heard shouting, “Stop! Stop! Help! Help!” while Hill was heard yelling at her.
Hill allegedly continued shouting as Vaccaro repeatedly asked him to stop.
The situation also involved the couple’s baby, who began crying after becoming disturbed.
According to the account, Hill went toward the child’s crib in an attempt to pick up the baby, prompting Vaccaro to ask him to stop.
Her mother could also allegedly be heard telling Hill to leave her daughter alone.
Vaccaro Describes Alleged Attack During Pregnancy
Vaccaro gave extensive testimony on Tuesday about several incidents in which she alleged that Hill physically assaulted her.
She told the court that Hill attempted to punch her stomach while she was pregnant in July 2024.
According to her testimony, she protected her stomach with her hands and blocked the alleged blow.
Vaccaro said Hill subsequently told her that he did not want the baby.
She described the incident as “probably the worst of all these abuse times” and alleged that Hill also pulled her hair during the same confrontation, ripping some of it out.
She testified that the alleged physical abuse occurred “every other week” and described several separate confrontations throughout their relationship.
Dispute at Hotel Also Detailed
Vaccaro also told the court about a trip to ESPN’s headquarters in July 2024.
She alleged that Hill became angry after she declined to have professional hair and makeup done for possible interviews.
Later, at their hotel, she said his anger continued and that he attempted to strike her stomach.
Vaccaro said she placed her hands over her abdomen to protect herself.
She also described another confrontation involving her jewelry.
According to her testimony, Hill wrestled with her over her ring and other jewelry and allegedly pulled a necklace from her body so forcefully that it caused an injury between her neck and shoulder.
A photograph of the alleged injury was presented as evidence.
Allegations Include Arguments Over Infidelity
Vaccaro further testified about disputes surrounding Hill’s interactions with other women.
She said Hill repeatedly told her that he intended to visit a club to be with other women and alleged that he flirted with women in front of her.
On one occasion, she said she returned alone to their hotel room after Hill told her he would get a separate room.
When Hill returned the following morning, Vaccaro said she was packing her belongings.
She testified that she declined to attend a 7-on-7 football tournament because she felt “disrespected and embarrassed.”
According to her testimony, Hill responded by removing the contents of her suitcase, breaking her computer in half and attempting to remove her wedding ring.
She also alleged that he twisted her breast during the confrontation.
Vaccaro told the court that Hill twisted her breasts during multiple arguments and alleged that he physically picked her up on other occasions in an attempt to throw her out of their home.
Hill’s Lawyers Challenge Testimony
During cross-examination, attorneys representing Hill questioned Vaccaro about differences between her testimony in court and statements she had made during earlier depositions.
His legal team also questioned her motivations for entering into a relationship with Hill, suggesting that financial considerations played a role.
Hill’s attorney, Julius B. Collins, previously rejected Vaccaro’s allegations and accused her, her mother and her legal representatives of attempting to pressure Hill into a financial settlement.
Collins said the allegations amounted to an effort to damage Hill’s reputation and maintained that his client would not be pressured into settling.
Hill has denied the allegations made against him.
Hill’s Previous Legal History Raised
The proceedings have also brought renewed attention to previous incidents involving Hill.
While attending Oklahoma State University, Hill pleaded guilty to domestic assault and battery by strangulation after being accused of assaulting his then-20-year-old girlfriend.
He received three years of probation.
Hill was also investigated following a March 2019 incident involving his three-year-old son, who suffered a broken arm.
He was separately investigated over an alleged domestic disturbance involving Vaccaro in 2024.
No charges were filed in either of those cases.
NFL Return Remains Part of Hill’s Current Career
Hill has been recovering from a serious knee injury suffered last season as he works toward returning to professional football.
The wide receiver has been targeting a return in November following his rehabilitation as he looks for an opportunity to continue his NFL career.
