An NFL player was removed from an American Airlines flight at Miami International Airport on Sunday. The player, who has not been named, was boarding flight AA2354 to Los Angeles when the incident occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, the player became involved in a heated argument with a flight attendant over a seating issue. The altercation escalated, and the player reportedly refused to comply with the flight attendant’s requests. As a result, the captain of the flight decided to remove the player from the flight.
The player was escorted off the plane by airport security, but was not arrested. American Airlines released a statement regarding the incident, saying, “We apologize for any inconvenience this caused for our passengers. The safety and comfort of our customers is our top priority.”
This incident comes just weeks after another NFL player, DeSean Jackson, was also removed from an American Airlines flight for refusing to wear a mask. The league has been strict in its policy that all players must wear masks on flights, in accordance with CDC guidelines.
It is not clear at this time if the player involved in this incident will face any penalties from the NFL or the team. However, it is likely that the league will investigate the incident and take appropriate action if necessary.
The incident caused a delay in the flight of around 20 minutes, but the flight was able to take off and land safely.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following the rules and guidelines set by airlines, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As we have seen before, non-compliance can result in denied boarding or other penalties.
It is unclear what the specific seating issue was that led to the altercation between the NFL player and the flight attendant. Some sources have reported that the player had requested a specific seat and was upset when he was not given it. Others have suggested that there may have been an issue with the player’s assigned seat being too close to the front of the plane.
Regardless of the specific details, the incident highlights the ongoing tension between passengers and airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. With social distancing measures in place and limited capacity on flights, seating can be a contentious issue, and tempers can flare easily.
The NFL has also been dealing with a number of COVID-19 related incidents this season, with multiple teams having to shut down their facilities and postpone games due to positive test results among players and staff.
The league has implemented strict protocols to try and prevent the spread of the virus, including mandatory testing, mask-wearing on flights, and social distancing on team buses and in locker rooms. However, incidents like this one show that there is still a risk of outbreaks happening.
In conclusion, the incident involving an NFL player being removed from an American Airlines flight serves as a reminder that even in these challenging times, it’s important to follow the rules and guidelines set by airlines and other organizations, for the safety of yourself and others. Passengers should also be aware of their rights and responsibilities when traveling and be prepared to deal with unexpected situations.