Terrell Davis, the renowned former NFL running back and Hall of Famer, is speaking out after he was handcuffed and removed from a United Airlines flight over the weekend. The incident occurred on a flight from Denver to Orange County, California.
Davis said the situation began when his son politely requested a cup of ice during beverage service. The flight attendant either did not hear the request or ignored it, prompting Davis to lightly tap the attendant’s arm to get his attention.
“I calmly reached behind me and lightly tapped his arm,” Davis recounted in an Instagram post. “The flight attendant shouted, ‘Don’t hit me,’ and hurriedly moved to the front of the plane.”
Why Was Terrell Davis Handcuffed?
The situation escalated dramatically after landing at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California. Six FBI agents and law enforcement officers boarded the plane and placed Davis in handcuffs. The official removed the former NFL star from the flight in front of his wife and children, an experience he described as “humiliating, embarrassing, powerless, and angry.”
The FBI and local law enforcement confirmed the incident in an email to NPR, stating they responded to a report requiring further investigation. They noted that Davis was cooperative during questioning and was released to continue his travels. Davis expressed frustration and embarrassment over the incident. He emphasized its emotional impact on him and his family.
“The traumatizing experience of my two sons, my daughter, and my wife watching me being placed in handcuffs cannot be undone,” he said. He further criticized the flight attendant’s actions and the lack of due process before his detention.
United Airlines’ Response
United Airlines has since issued an apology for the incident. The airline stated, “This is clearly not the kind of travel experience we strive to provide, and we have reached out to Mr. Davis’s team to apologize.” The flight attendant involved has been removed from duty pending a thorough review of the incident.”
Parker Stinar, Davis’ attorney, called for a comprehensive investigation. “What took place on a United Airlines flight concerning Mr. Davis is appalling and disturbing,” Stinar said to NPR. “We plan on fully investigating the events that took place and are actively contacting United Airlines in this matter.”
