In an unexpected turn of events, United Airlines responded again to ex-Broncos running back Terrell Davis but not with the apology he was awaiting. They had to undo a decision that would’ve gotten them even more flack.
Weeks ago, the NFL Hall of Famer took to Instagram describing the “humiliating” experience he had on a United flight from Denver to Orange County, Ca. Davis wrote he tapped a flight attendant’s shoulder to get their attention and was in turn, accosted for “hitting” them. Next thing he knew, he said a group of FBI agents boarded the plane once they landed and escorted him off the plane in handcuffs with no explanation. After an interview, the Feds determined he did no wrong despite the flight attendant’s allegations.
United issued a statement apologizing for the incident once Davis took the situation public. Though, in the latest update, it seems the airline still ran the offense against the player despite him being cleared of wrongdoing.
Read the airline’s email to Davis:
United Airlines’ number one priority has always been a commitment to safety. As much as we value your business, United’s policy, in compliance with our contract of carriage and our legal obligations as a common carrier, is to delay or refuse to carry any passenger whose conduct or condition threatens the safety of our employees or other passengers.
Based on the nature of the reported incident that occurred 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 by United’s Passenger Incident Review Committee (PIC) has occurred. Please be advised that no single United employee can change your status. Only the PIC has the ability to review the incident and consider reinstatement of your ability to fly on United or United Express in the future.
Davis said in the post the ban came after it was determined he did nothing wrong and was released from detainment.
“And now there’s the continued damage of receiving this notice of a travel ban sent to me by United. 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,” read Davis’ post.
The airline told The Denver Post the ban came the day after the incident and was rescinded the following day. The email was auto-generated due to the flight attendant’s report of the incident, they said. Why is this just coming out now? Attorney Parker Stinar said the lack of response from United brought Davis to publishing the email publicly.
“Up until today, we had received no correspondence or communication indicating that the travel ban had been rescinded. We can confirm we had received no rescinding of this ban until today, just moments ago, and only after Mr. Davis posted his statement,” said Stinar to The Post.
It’s unclear what legal action the football star is seeking. However, supporters and fans appear to be taking action, filling his comments with #boycottUnited tags.