On the day that he had been paraded through the streets of Omaha and hailed as a hometown hero, boxing champion Terence “Bud” Crawford received a traffic ticket for reckless driving.
Omaha City Council member Lavonya Goodwin reported the traffic stop on Facebook. Goodwin issued a statement shortly after 12 p.m. on Sunday.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing said Sunday in a statement that he has spoken with Crawford about the incident.
“I learned Omaha police pulled over Terence “Bud” Crawford on a traffic stop downtown early this morning,” Ewing said. “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 said Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer “has pledged an internal investigation, which I support and want to be full and thorough.” City officials, Ewing said, will gather all the facts and be transparent with the public about the findings.
“Understand that my heart dropped in learning of this end to an otherwise wonderful day and evening celebrating our city’s world boxing champion,” Ewing said. “We held a great parade and 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 said his aim is that every resident, “no matter who they are,” feels safe and respected in Omaha.
“I’ve exchanged texts with Mr. Crawford, Chief Schmaderer and (former Omaha Police) Chief Warren. I’ve also spoken with Mayor Ewing,” Goodwin said. “My understanding is that a full investigation is underway, which I support. I thank God, that everyone is safe and although this feels horrible, let’s not take the bait and let anyone rain on our parade.”
“After such an amazing day in Omaha, Terence “Bud” Crawford’s parade and celebration, he was pulled over by OPD last night,” Goodwin wrote. “My understanding is that Terence and his team were cooperative. This feels very ironic and disrespectful.”
A spokesperson for the Omaha Police Department confirmed that Crawford had been the subject of a traffic stop. The spokesperson said Crawford had been cited for reckless driving.
“I’ve exchanged texts with Mr. Crawford, (Omaha Police) Chief (Todd) Schmaderer and (former Omaha Police) Chief Warren. I’ve also spoken with Mayor (John) Ewing,” Goodwin said. “My understanding is that a full investigation is underway, which I support. I thank God, that everyone is safe and although this feels horrible, let’s not take the bait and let anyone rain on our parade.”
The undefeated Crawford made boxing history when he defeated Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision on Sept. 13, becoming the first three-time undisputed champion — and he did it in three different weight classes.
“He made history in more ways than one,” Ewing said at a press conference before Saturday’s parade. “He won with power. He won with smarts. He won with grace. And he won with the name ‘Omaha’ proudly emblazoned on his waist. When Bud won, we won.”
Kids from the Omaha reservation, local sports teams, schools and organizations walked and danced in the parade, which made its way east from 19th and Farnam Streets, turning south at 11th Street and concluding at 10th and Harney Streets.
Around noon, Crawford made his way through, sitting in a chair atop a flatbed trailer with his championship belt across his lap and family at his side. The crowds lining the streets cheered as he lifted the belt in victory.
City officials estimated about 20,000 people attended the downtown parade.
kevin.cole@owh.com, 402-444-1272
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