An NFL player claims he was sexually harassed and assaulted multiple times by a woman during a recent flight, and he has filed a lawsuit against United Airlines.
The player chose to remain anonymous, with court records obtained by Master Tesfatsion of Bleacher Report referring to him as “John Doe 1.” The lawsuit states that another alleged victim, “John Doe 2,” was sitting in the same row as the NFL player and was also sexually harassed and assaulted. The lawsuit accuses United Airlines of failing to properly respond during the flight and failing to cooperate with authorities.
The alleged incident occurred during a Feb. 10 flight from Newark to Los Angeles. The NFL player says a woman made “multiple unwanted sexual advances,” including grabbing his penis and ripping off his protective face mask. The player says the woman was intoxicated and taking prescription pills. Here are more details:
Breaking: A NFL player is suing @United Airlines, alleging that he was sexually assaulted & harassed multiple times by a woman on a recent flight. The lawsuit states United Airlines failed to properly respond during the flight, and failed to cooperate with authorities. pic.twitter.com/oS4DJZlc7V
— Master (@MasterTes) May 20, 2020
The lawsuit claims the woman previously asked the NFL player why he wore a face mask. He said it’s due to the growing COVID-19 concerns. The woman said he looked “frightening” with the mask on.
The NFL player also claims the woman was intoxicated and taking perscription pills.
— Master (@MasterTes) May 20, 2020
The NFL player does not wish to release his identity. He filed the lawsuit under “John Doe 1” with another man "John Doe 2" sitting in his row with similar claims.
Both men are described as African American males. The woman is described as a middle-aged Caucasian female.
— Master (@MasterTes) May 20, 2020
The victims say they made four complaints against the female passenger before flight attendants finally moved her to another seat. The NFL player and “John Doe 2” are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. A statement from attorneys representing the two alleged victims says the goal of the lawsuit is to make sure no passengers make complaints in the future that “go unheeded until it’s too late and the damage is done.”
This is not the first time a professional athlete has had an issue with United Airlines, though the previous incidents were far less serious.
