Former NFL MVP Terrell Davis has slammed United Airlines after he was removed from a flight in handcuffs for what he called a “disgusting display of injustice.”
The alleged incident took place Saturday, when Davis said he was wrongfully taken into custody while on a plane with his wife and children by federal agents because a flight attendant gave misinformation about him and his family.
During the flight from Denver to Orange County, Davis’ son reportedly wanted a glass of ice, but a flight attendant either ignored his request or didn’t listen to him.
Davis said she “calmly” reached back and “lightly” tapped the flight attendant on the arm to ask for a glass of ice.
The unidentified United flight attendant allegedly yelled “don’t hit me” before leaving the cart to approach the front of the plane.
Former NFL running back Terrell Davis says he was mistakenly taken into custody on a plane
Davis said on social media that he was confused by the exchange, as were other passengers who witnessed it.
Upon landing in Orange County, the pilot asked all passengers to remain in their seats upon reaching the gate, and six FBI and law enforcement agents boarded the plane and reportedly took Davis into custody.
Davis said he was given no explanation for being taken into custody, while the rest of the flight’s passengers remained silent, some recording the alleged incident on their phones.
The former Denver Broncos running back described himself as “humiliated, ashamed, helpless and angry.”
The 1998 NFL MVP was reportedly questioned and federal agents “correctly” determined that the flight attendant was “inaccurate” in his allegations against Davis.
The officers reportedly apologized before offering support to Davis and his family after releasing him from custody.
Davis’ lawyers at Stinar, Gould, Grieco & Hensley called the incident “appalling and disturbing, to say the least” in a statement to Mail Sport.
“We plan to fully investigate the events that took place and are actively reaching out to United Airlines regarding this matter,” the statement continued. “Mr. Davis’ statement speaks for itself and we can all agree that no person should be subjected to this type of injustice and humiliation, especially in front of his children and wife.
Davis said he has not heard from United Airlines since the incident occurred.
“I refuse to sit back and speak out about this disgusting display of injustice and deplorable treatment by United Airlines,” she said on social media.
Davis also said his legal team will be in contact with United.