NFL Hall of Famer handcuffed by six FBI agents, United Airlines expresses regret

Terrell Davis was involved in an incident with a flight attendant that left him “humiliated, embarrassed, powerless and angry.”

The NFL Hall of Famer and Denver Broncos legend wrote a lengthy post on Instagram, detailing his experience on a United Airlines flight from Denver in Colorado to Orange Country in California, which ended in him being detained by police officials. Davis had requested a cup of ice for his son, but never received it.

As such, the football hero claims he “lightly tapped” the attendant, resulting in said attendant shouting: “Don’t hit me.” The United Airlines employee then left the area and the two did not interact further for the duration of the flight, according to the 51-year-old.

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Once the plane landed at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, six FBI and law enforcement agents boarded and approached Davis. “The FBI agents and local authorities proceeded directly to my seat and immediately placed me in handcuffs, while seated and without any explanation, in front of my wife and children while the entire flight of passengers watched in silence,” Davis wrote.

“I was then removed from the flight while being recorded by multiple passengers as I was paraded off of the plane in handcuffs by the officers. I was – and remain – humiliated, embarrassed, powerless, and angry.”

Davis added that it was soon determined by law enforcement officials they had mistakenly detained the NFL Hall of Famer. “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,” he added.

“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.”

In response to the incident, United Airlines has reached out to Davis’ team to apologize, according to The Athletic. Additionally, Davis’ attorney told the same publication that his firm had planned to investigate the exchange and have reached out to United Airlines to gather more information.

“Mr. Davis’ statement speaks for itself, and we can all agree no person should be subjected to this kind of injustice and humiliation, especially in front of their children and wife,” Parker Stinar said in a statement. It remains to be seen what the resolution is between Davis and United Airlines.

During his playing career, Davis was known as one of the more formidable running backs in the league, spending the entirety of his career with the Broncos. In 1998, Davis rushed for 2,008 yards and ran for 21 touchdowns, which culminated in a league MVP.

Davis also helped the Broncos win back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998 before the next three years of his career with marred with injury, forcing him to retire in 2002. The star running back was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.