Terrell Davis’s experience with United Airlines highlights a troubling incident where the NFL Hall of Famer was handcuffed and banned from flying. Davis’s family faces lasting emotional impact despite an apology and rescinded ban. Read the full story for detailed insights.
Background Incident
- Date: July 13, 2024
- Flight Route: Denver to Santa Ana, Calif.
- Involved Parties: Terrell Davis, his family, United Airlines staff
Incident Breakdown
- During the beverage service, Davis’s son requested a cup of ice from a flight attendant.
- The attendant either didn’t hear or ignored the request and moved past their row.
- Davis lightly tapped the attendant’s arm to get his attention.
- The flight attendant abruptly shouted, “Don’t hit me,” and left the beverage cart to approach the front of the plane.
Read more: Former NFL Player Terrell Davis Demands Accountability After Wrongful Handcuffing Incident
Law Enforcement Involvement
- Upon landing in California, six FBI and other law enforcement agents boarded the plane.
- Terrell Davis was handcuffed and removed from the flight.
United Airlines’ Response
- Davis received an email stating, “You are not permitted to fly on United Airlines or any regional carrier operating as United Express until a review of this incident by United’s Passenger Incident Review Committee (PIRC) has occurred.”
- The travel ban was reportedly rescinded the day after the initial email was sent.
Statements from Terrell Davis
- Instagram Post: Davis shared his experience and included a screenshot of the email from United Airlines.
- “This company not only wrongfully accused me of something I did not do and had me handcuffed and detained, but they have failed on so many levels to demonstrate any genuine empathy for my family’s experience and also at making the real changes to ensure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
- “I was banned on this airline even after they sent a media-issued statement with a boilerplate ‘apology.’”
United Airlines’ Official Statement
- United said they had informed Davis’s team that the ban was rescinded the day after it was issued.
- “We have apologized to Mr. Davis for his experience and continue to review our handling of incidents like this to protect our highest priority – the safety of our customers and crew.”
Davis’s Legal Team’s Reaction
- Stinar Gould Grieco and Hensley, Davis’s legal team, claimed United was trying to cover up their behavior.
- Attorney Parker Stinar: “Today, for the first time, SGGH Law learned – along with the Davis Family and the general public – that United Airlines has apparently withdrawn its Travel Ban against Terrell Davis.”
- “United has claimed that his lawyers already communicated this information to the Davis Family. This is blatantly false.”
Impact on Terrell Davis and His Family
Davis expressed that the incident has left his family shaken.
“My family will never unsee me, nor will I ever forget, being taken off an airplane in handcuffs for simply asking for a cup of ice.”
He emphasized the ongoing emotional impact on his family and the difficult conversations they had to endure.
“My wife, who had to stand by powerless to this injustice, now has her own set of challenges, including watching what this has done to me despite me having to continue to push forward every day.”
Conclusion
The incident involving Terrell Davis and United Airlines has highlighted significant concerns regarding airline procedures and passenger treatment. Despite United’s apologies and claims of rescinding the ban, the emotional and psychological impact on Davis and his family remains profound.