Do you suppose that they removed the cuffs because he had become unconscious? Besides, it was NYPD policy not to use the choke hold or use such tactics "such as sitting or standing on a subject's chest, which may result in chest compression, thereby reducing the subject's ability to breathe.":
The use - or non use - of the choke hold was discussed during the Rodney King case in LA.
LAPD did not allow it's use.
It is said to be particularly harmful to blacks.