Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis claims he was wrongfully handcuffed and removed from a United Airlines plane over the weekend after tapping a flight attendant’s arm to request a cup of ice. The airline has since removed the attendant from duty while reviewing the incident and has reached out to Davis with an apology.
Incident detail
The former Denver Broncos running back detailed the incident on a flight from Denver to Orange County, California, explaining that authorities released him after determining the flight attendant’s accusations were unfounded. He expressed feelings of humiliation and anger, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Davis’ account of events
Davis shared his experience in a Monday Instagram post, which was also included in a release from his legal representation. He was flying with his family when one of his sons requested a cup of ice during beverage service. Davis stated that a flight attendant ignored the request, prompting him to tap the attendant’s arm to get his attention. “I calmly reached behind me and lightly tapped [the attendant’s] arm to get his attention to again ask for a cup of ice for my son,” he wrote. “His response and the events that followed should stun all of us.”
Confrontation and aftermath
According to Davis, the flight attendant shouted, “Don’t hit me,” and quickly moved to the front of the plane. Davis and other passengers were confused by the attendant’s reaction. The situation escalated after landing, when FBI and law enforcement agents boarded the plane, handcuffed Davis, and removed him from his seat. Davis described the traumatic impact on his family, stating, “The traumatizing experience of my two sons, my daughter, and my wife watching me being placed in handcuffs – without due process or any explanation – cannot be undone.”
Official responses
The FBI’s Los Angeles field office confirmed that agents responded to the incident and that the detained individual was cooperative and released without charges. United Airlines has removed the flight attendant from duty and is conducting an internal review. “This is clearly not the kind of travel experience we strive to provide, and we have reached out to Mr. Davis’ team to apologize,” United Airlines said in an email to CNN. Parker Stinar, managing partner of the law firm representing Davis, called the incident “appalling and disturbing,” adding that they are fully investigating the events and actively contacting United Airlines.
Davis’ legacy
Davis, one of only eight running backs to rush for more than 2,000 yards in an NFL season, played for the Denver Broncos from 1995 to 2001. He helped secure two Super Bowl victories and was named MVP of the first title game. In 2017, Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The incident raises questions about the treatment of passengers and the responsibilities of airline staff, as well as the broader implications for customer service and accountability within the airline industry.