NFL Hall of Famer says he was ‘humiliated’ on United Airlines flight

Former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis is threatening United Airlines with legal action, claiming he was handcuffed and “humiliated” while aboard a flight to Orange County, California, on Saturday.

Davis recounted the events on his Instagram account on Monday. He said he was flying from Denver to Orange County with his wife, two sons and daughter.

Davis said his son asked a male flight attendant for a cup of ice, but the attendant either “didn’t hear or ignored his request.” So he tapped the attendant’s arm to get his attention, which is when the attendant shouted, “Don’t hit me,” Davis claims.

“I was confused, as were the passengers in front of me who witnessed the exchange,” Davis said, adding that he didn’t see or interact with the attendant again during the flight.

When the plane landed, Davis said the pilot asked everyone to remain seated. Then, six FBI and law enforcement officers boarded the plane and put Davis in handcuffs without an explanation, he claims.

As he was taken off the plane, Davis said people recorded the interaction.

“I was – and remain – humiliated, embarrassed, powerless, and angry,” said Davis.

After being questioned, Davis said the agents determined the flight attendant’s accusation was unwarranted, and the agents apologized.

“The traumatizing experience of my two sons, daughter, and my wife watching me being placed in handcuffs – without due process or explanation – cannot be undone,” said Davis.

As of Monday morning, Davis said he still hadn’t heard from United, and his lawyers will be in contact with the airline, KTLA sister station KDVR reports.

“At this very moment, not even 48 hours later, we as a family are having to have hard conversations with each other about what transpired and answers to many questions that my children have,” said Davis. “I refuse to stand by without speaking out on this disgusting display of injustice and deplorable treatment by United Airlines.”

Davis, 51, rushed for 7,600 yards and 60 touchdowns over seven NFL seasons, all with Denver. He was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXII and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

United Airlines said it was investigating the incident.

“This is clearly not the kind of travel experience we strive to provide, and we have reached out to Mr. Davis’s team to apologize. We have removed the flight attendant from duty while we closely review this matter,” the airline said in a statement to KDVR on Monday.

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