Retired NFL star Terrell Davis was escorted off a United Airlines flight in handcuffs after a flight attendant accused him of “hitting” him. United has apologized, the flight attendant has been sidelined, but Davis is now suing for “irreparable harm” to his reputation.
Retired NFL Star Terrell Davis Is Suing United Airlines
I first wrote about this incident last week. To review:
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 front 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.”
United also apologized and even suspended the flight attendant while it investigated.
Meanwhile, Davis has made rounds on major media telling his story.
Even so, his attorney has released of his arrest onboard and promises to file a lawsuit against United Airlines:
This video confirms the harrowing tale of multiple law enforcement agents, including the FBI, boarding the plane and apprehending a shocked, terrified, humiliated, and compliant Mr. Davis in front of his wife, Tamiko, minor children, and more than one hundred passengers. The rationale behind the United Airlines employee’s deceitful or inaccurate report extends far beyond a mere ice request or innocent tap on the shoulder. This is why we will be filing a lawsuit because only through legal proceedings can we uncover the truth and make United Airlines answer for the systemic shortcomings that culminated in this traumatic incident, causing irreparable harm and enduring suffering for the Davis family.
The video does show him being handcuffed. Davis told CBS, “The agent walks up to me, and he leans over and whispers, ‘Don’t fight it,’ and he put the cuffs on me.”
Based on everything we know, it seems there is absolutely no excuse for the conduct against Davis. But I’m not sure what “irreparable harm and enduring suffering” was caused Davis and his family. There was momentary indignity and yes, I do think United should make it right.
But “irreparable harm” to his reputaiton? That does not seem to be the case. Quite the contrary, it seems that he has appeared on every broadcast and cable network who will listen to him, and no one is questioning his version of events. Quite the opposite of irreparable harm, that seems to have helped burnish his image and notoriety.
Ultimately, my opinion does not matter: I’m just reporting that Davis is now suing. But it seems to me the only reputation harmed through this incident is United’s…
> Read More: NFL Star Hauled Off United Airlines Flight In Handcuffs After Incident With Flight Attendant