Chicago-based United Airlines has banned National Football League (NFL) Hall of Famer Terrell Davis after a dispute with a crew member earlier this month led to him being handcuffed and removed from a flight in front of his family. According to Davis, he had “lightly tapped” a flight attendant’s arm to get their attention, but he was accused of hitting them, prompting law enforcement to get involved.
The incident occurred during a flight from Denver International Airport (DEN) to John Wayne Airport (SNA). When the flight arrived, Davis was arrested, but police subsequently released him after determining that the flight attendant was “inaccurate in his accusations.”
Travel ban notice
In an Instagram post early Tuesday, Davis shared a letter from United’s Passenger Incident Review Committee (PIRC), which notified him of the travel ban.
“Based on the nature of the reported incident that occured on UA1061 on July 13, 2024, this shall serve as a notice that you are not permitted to fly on United Airlines or any regional carrier operating as United Express until a review of this incident…”
Wrongful accusations
Davis explained that the move was “adding insult to injury” since law enforcement found that he “did nothing wrong and was released.” He has since hired attorney Parker Stinar of Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley law firm, and has demanded a thorough and proper investigation.
As a result of the incident, the former NFL star says he has had to have difficult conversations with his children.
“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.””
Reviewing the incident
Davis’ ban is concrete as the letter advises that “no single United employee can change” his status. Only the PIRC can revoke the ban after reviewing the incident, but Davis must provide a detailed account of his experience within four days of the letter’s receipt.
“The PIRC would like to consider your version of what occurred in this incident in making its determination,” the airline said. “In order to ensure this information is considered, a written report must be submitted within 96 hours of receiving this notice.”
It is unclear when Davis received the letter. In his report, he must include his name, address, email, phone number(s), the flight number, date, and his seat assignment. United also requests that the 51-year-old provide a summary of the incident and any names of witnesses.
Simple Flying contacted United on Tuesday for comment on the matter, but a representative could not be immediately reached. The airline also never responded to initial requests for comments from original reports of the incident earlier this month.
“They’ve somewhat admitted to wrongdoing but have done nothing to right this wrong,” Davis explained. “Really, United?”