NFL Legend Terrell Davis was escorted off a United Airlines flight in handcuffs after a flight attendant accused him of “hitting” him. Davis–and other witnesses onboard–deny the charge and Davis claims he has already received an apology from United.
NFL Legend Terrell Davis Arrested After Flight Attendant Interaction On United Airlines
Davis and his family were traveling from Denver (DEN) to Orange Country, California (SNA) on United Airlines on Saturday, July 13, 2024. During the beverage service, he asked a flight attendant for a cup of ice for his son.
The flight attendant did not respond, moving past their row.
Davis turned and purportedly tapped the flight attendant on his arm to try to get his attention.
But the flight attendant “snapped” and yelled out, “Don’t hit me!”
The flight attendant quickly bolted down the aisle toward the flight of the plane. Davis did not see him again for the remainder of the flight.
But when the plane arrived at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, “The pilot asked all passengers to remain seated” and six law enforcement officials boarded the aircraft. Davis was immediately placed in handcuffs and led off the aircraft.
Shortly thereafter, Davis was “cleared of any wrongdoing,” noting “the agents profusely apologized” and offered “to support me and my family in any way possible.”
Here’s his account, posted to Instagram:
He has now obtained an attorney to help him process this matter.
Davis played in the NFL 1995 to 2001, won two Super Bowls, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
CONCLUSION
NFL star Terrell Davis was removed from a United Airlines flight after a flight attendant accused him of hitting him. He was not arrested and was quickly released with an apology.
I’d love to hear the flight attendant’s sides, but based on the witnesses onboard it sounds like it was a major flight attendant overreaction to an innocuous tap. It’s still best to avoid physical contact with ANY flight attendant…but a light tap should be expected and not seen as anything offensive.
image: @therealterrelldavis / Instagram