Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis has condemned United Airlines and law enforcement after he was escorted off a plane and handcuffed in a "disgusting display of injustice" over a beverage request.
On Saturday, Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis was humiliatingly handcuffed and escorted off a United Airlines flight from Denver to Orange County. Davis, a former running back for the Denver Broncos, detailed the incident in a lengthy Instagram post, calling it a "disgusting display of injustice and deplorable treatment."
The incident unfolded during beverage service when Davis' son requested a cup of ice. Allegedly, the flight attendant ignored or did not hear the request, prompting Davis to gently tap the attendant's arm to get his attention. According to Davis, the attendant exclaimed "don't hit me" and retreated to the front of the plane.
Terrell Davis Handcuffed and Escorted Off Plane in 'Disgraceful' Incident
Davis was bewildered and dismissed the exchange as rudeness from the flight attendant. However, when the plane landed, federal agents boarded the aircraft and immediately approached Davis' seat. Without explanation, they handcuffed him and removed him from the flight, subjecting him to public humiliation in front of passengers and his wife and children.
Davis explained to the agents that the flight attendant had falsely accused him of hitting him, and the agents, after investigating, apologized and acknowledged the attendant's inaccuracy. Despite the agents' apologies, Davis was left feeling embarrassed, powerless, and angry.
Terrell Davis Handcuffed and Escorted Off Plane in 'Disgraceful' Incident
"I was – and remain – humiliated, embarrassed, powerless, and angry," Davis wrote in his Instagram post. "During questioning, it was rightfully determined by the agents that this flight attendant was inaccurate in his accusations and the agents profusely apologized even offering to support me and my family in any way possible."
Davis, who retired from the NFL due to injuries after a stellar career with the Broncos, played a crucial role in the team's backfield during his first four seasons, rushing for a league-leading 2,008 yards in 1998. He won the NFL MVP Award that year and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Terrell Davis Handcuffed and Escorted Off Plane in 'Disgraceful' Incident
The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation of United Airlines and law enforcement. Davis' legal team is pursuing action in this matter, while United Airlines has not yet commented on the situation.
The incident has raised questions about the training and conduct of flight attendants and the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. Advocates for passengers' rights are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter and for appropriate accountability measures to be taken.
Davis' experience has highlighted the need for greater respect and understanding between passengers and airline staff, as well as the importance of fair and just treatment by law enforcement officials. As the matter unfolds, the public will eagerly await further developments and the outcomes of any legal proceedings that may follow.
