Crime & Safety

‘I was Humiliated’: NFL Hall Of Famer Wrongly Cuffed On Flight To Orange County

NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Davis and his family are still processing an unfortunate incident that happened on a United Airlines flight.

Former NFL player Terrell Davis delivers his speech during induction ceremonies at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, in Canton, Ohio.
Former NFL player Terrell Davis delivers his speech during induction ceremonies at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — An NFL Hall of Famer and his family continue to process an unfortunate incident that happened on a United Airlines flight from Denver to Orange County over the weekend.

Two-time Super Bowl champion Terrell Davis posted on his Instagram stating that he's "still in shock" over what took place on Saturday.

According to the Instagram post, Davis described one of his sons requesting a cup of ice during the beverage service.

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The former NFL star, who previously played for the Denver Broncos, said the male flight attendant either didn't hear or ignored the request.

"I calmly reached behind me and lightly tapped his arm to get his attention to again ask for a cup of ice for my son. His response and the events that followed should stun all of us," Davis wrote.

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According to Davis, the flight attendant shouted "don't hit me."

The former NFL player said on Instagram that he did not interact with the employee for the remainder of the flight, but called him incredibly rude and blatantly wrong in his accusations.

Once the plane landed at John Wayne Airport, Davis said six FBI and law enforcement officials boarded the aircraft, handcuffed him and escorted him off while multiple passengers recorded him.

"I was - and remain - humiliated, embarrassed, powerless and angry," Davis said.

The FBI didn't provide details but acknowledged responding to the flight, ABC 7 reported.

An FBI spokesperson told ABC 7, "One individual was detained for questioning, was cooperative with law enforcement and was released to continue his travels."

Davis said the agents determined the flight attendant was wrong in his accusations and apologized.

He wrote, "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 a statement United Airlines stated: "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."

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